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A Collection of in English - the Theodore Presser Company

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A <strong>Collection</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />

OPERAS<br />

<strong>in</strong> <strong>English</strong><br />

from <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

and Our Affiliated Publishers<br />

<strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

588 North Gulph Road<br />

K<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> Prussia, PA 19406 USA<br />

www.presser.com


A <strong>Collection</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />

OPERAS<br />

<strong>in</strong> <strong>English</strong><br />

2011 NEWS…<br />

Paul Salerni<br />

Recently signed: two delightful one-act operas by Paul Salerni. (Can be presented<br />

toge<strong>the</strong>r, with cast doubl<strong>in</strong>g possibilities).<br />

Dana Gioia’s libretto to Tony Caruso’s F<strong>in</strong>al Broadcast is about a classical music radio<br />

station on <strong>the</strong> eve <strong>of</strong> a change <strong>of</strong> format to easy listen<strong>in</strong>g, mandated by <strong>the</strong> stations new<br />

management. The Life and Love <strong>of</strong> Joe Coogan, from an episode <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Dick Van Dyke<br />

Show by Carl Re<strong>in</strong>er, has been adapted for <strong>the</strong> opera stage by librettist Kate Light, with all<br />

<strong>the</strong> humor <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> TV show and much <strong>of</strong> Re<strong>in</strong>er’s orig<strong>in</strong>al script as well as new material to transform it to<br />

<strong>the</strong> opera medium.<br />

Ricky Ian Gordon<br />

Rappahannock County<br />

Premier<strong>in</strong>g April 12th on <strong>the</strong> 150th anniversary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> start <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Civil War, this new<br />

music <strong>the</strong>ater piece by Gordon and librettist Mark Campbell takes us on a journey<br />

through events as experienced by different fictional characters <strong>in</strong> one corner <strong>of</strong><br />

Virg<strong>in</strong>ia. Co-commissioned by <strong>the</strong> Virg<strong>in</strong>ia Arts Festival, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia Opera, <strong>the</strong> Modl<strong>in</strong><br />

Center for <strong>the</strong> Arts at <strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong> Richmond and <strong>the</strong> Texas Perform<strong>in</strong>g Arts at <strong>the</strong><br />

University <strong>of</strong> Texas <strong>in</strong> Aust<strong>in</strong>. Premiere at Virg<strong>in</strong>ia Arts Festival <strong>in</strong> Norfolk, followed by<br />

performances <strong>in</strong> Richmond and Aust<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> September, 2011.<br />

see our features on YouTube<br />

www.youtube.com/<strong>the</strong>odorepresser (click on “Opera” playlist)<br />

• Thomas Pasatieri Spotlight on <strong>the</strong> composer<br />

• Ricky Ian Gordon Spotlight on <strong>the</strong> composer<br />

• Paul Salerni trailer features on The Life and Love <strong>of</strong> Joe Coogan and Tony Caruso’s F<strong>in</strong>al Broadcast<br />

• Dan Welcher The Yellow Wallpaper preview<br />

• as well as <strong>in</strong>terviews, opera excerpts and complete operas<br />

<strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

588 North Gulph Road<br />

K<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> Prussia, PA 19406<br />

tel: (610) 592-1222 fax: (610) 592-1229<br />

promotion@presser.com www.presser.com<br />

— ii —<br />

<strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong> • 1588 North Gulph Road, K<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> Prussia, PA 19406 USA • www.presser.com


OPERA<br />

<strong>English</strong> Language<br />

<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Catalogues <strong>of</strong> <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Index <strong>of</strong> <strong>English</strong> Language Operas<br />

Index <strong>of</strong> Operas listed by composer......... iii<br />

Index <strong>of</strong> Chamber Operas......................... v<br />

Index <strong>of</strong> Children’s Operas....................... v<br />

Index <strong>of</strong> Monodramas............................... v<br />

Index <strong>of</strong> Operas without Chorus.............. vi<br />

Operas listed by composer....................... 1-44<br />

Index by Composer<br />

Aitken, Hugh<br />

Bach, P.D.Q.<br />

Baksa, Robert<br />

Barab, Seymour<br />

Biscardi, Chester<br />

Blank, Allen<br />

Blitzste<strong>in</strong>, Marc<br />

Bolcom, William<br />

FABLES<br />

FELIPE<br />

THE ABDUCTION OF FIGARO<br />

HANSEL AND GRETEL AND TED AND ALICE<br />

A LITTLE NIGHTMARE MUSIC<br />

ŒDIPUS TEX<br />

THE STONED GUEST<br />

RED CARNATIONS<br />

AMERICAN PUNCHLINES<br />

ANDROCLES AND THE LION<br />

THE BETROTHAL OF BECKY BROWN<br />

CINDERELLA<br />

THE CODE OF THE WEST<br />

JEWISH HUMOR FROM OY TO VEY<br />

THE PIED PIPER<br />

SAY CHEESE<br />

SCENES IN WONDERLAND<br />

SLEEPING BEAUTY<br />

TIGHT-ROPE<br />

ARIA DA CAPO<br />

IDIOTS FIRST (“Tales <strong>of</strong> Malamud”)<br />

(see also Lehrman)<br />

SACCO AND VANZETTI<br />

CASINO PARADISE<br />

LUCREZIA<br />

MC TEAGUE<br />

MEDUSA<br />

A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE<br />

A WEDDING<br />

Bond, Victoria MRS. PRESIDENT<br />

Bowles, Paul THE WIND REMAINS<br />

Brian, Havergal AGAMEMNON<br />

THE CENCI<br />

FAUST<br />

THE TIGERS<br />

TURANDOT<br />

Brisman, Heskel WHIRLIGIG<br />

Burrell, Diana THE ALBATROSS<br />

Caldwell, Mary Elizabeth<br />

THE NIGHT OF THE STAR<br />

Caltabiano, Ronald MARRYING THE HANGMAN<br />

Cunn<strong>in</strong>gham, Arthur OSTRICH FEATHERS<br />

De Cormier, Robert THE JOLLY BEGGARS<br />

Dorff, Daniel STONE SOUP<br />

Downard, Robert MARTIN AVDEICH: A CHRISTMAS TALE<br />

Drew, James MYSTERIUM<br />

Eak<strong>in</strong>, Charles THE BOX<br />

F<strong>in</strong>nissy, Michael VAUDEVILLE<br />

Fitelberg, Jerzy HENNY PENNY<br />

Fuchs, Kenneth A BETROTHAL<br />

THE GREAT NEBULA IN ORION<br />

Fuchs, Peter Paul SERENADE AT NOON<br />

Getty, Gordon PLUMP JACK<br />

Goldste<strong>in</strong>, Lee THE FAN<br />

Gordon, Ricky Ian GREEN SNEAKERS<br />

RAPPAHANNOCK COUNTY<br />

Gorney, Jay GEOGRAFOOF<br />

Gustafson, Dwight SIMEON<br />

Fully L<strong>in</strong>ked Index - Click any title to go to more <strong>in</strong>formation


Fully L<strong>in</strong>ked Index - Click any title to go to more <strong>in</strong>formation<br />

Hagemann, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia THE BIRD’S CHRISTMAS CAROL<br />

A CHRISTMAS CAROL<br />

THE PIED PIPER<br />

Hailstork, Adolphus JOSHUA’S BOOTS<br />

PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR:<br />

COMMON GROUND<br />

Hamilton, Ia<strong>in</strong> AGAMEMNON<br />

ANNA KARENINA<br />

THE CATILINE CONSPIRACY<br />

CLEOPATRA<br />

LANCELOT<br />

LONDON’S FAIR<br />

ON THE EVE<br />

PHARSALIA<br />

RALEIGH’S DREAM<br />

THE ROYAL HUNT OF THE SUN<br />

TAMBURLAINE<br />

THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH<br />

Handel, George Frederic<br />

JULIUS CAESAR<br />

Harnick, Sheldon FRUSTRATION<br />

Haydn, Franz Joseph LA CANTERINA (The Songstress)<br />

Jason, Daniel KRIS KRINGLE RIDES AGAIN<br />

Kanitz, Ernest PERPETUAL<br />

Kim, Earl<br />

FOOTFALLS<br />

Kohs, Ellis<br />

AMERIKA<br />

Kupferman, Meyer THE CURIOUS FERN<br />

IN A GARDEN<br />

VOICES FOR A MIRROR<br />

Laderman, Ezra GALILEO GALILEI<br />

GOODBYE TO THE CLOWN<br />

Lee, Thomas Oboe THE INMAN DIARIES<br />

Lehar, Franz THE MERRY WIDOW<br />

Lehrman, Leonard KARLA (“Tales <strong>of</strong> Malamud”)<br />

SACCO AND VANZETTI<br />

SUPPOSE A WEDDING<br />

(“Tales <strong>of</strong> Malamud”)<br />

(see also Blitzste<strong>in</strong>)<br />

Liebermann, Lowell MISS LONELYHEARTS<br />

THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY<br />

Loder, Marion CINDERELLA IN FLOWERLAND<br />

Lombardi, Luca PROSPERO<br />

Mayer, William BRIEF CANDLE<br />

THE EVE OF ST. AGNES<br />

Moss, Lawrence THE BRUTE<br />

THE QUEEN AND THE REBELS<br />

Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus<br />

THE IMPRESARIO<br />

Paisiello, Giovanni KING THEODORE IN VENICE<br />

Pasatieri, Thomas BEFORE BREAKFAST<br />

BLACK WIDOW<br />

CALVARY<br />

THE DAUGHTER OF CAPULET<br />

LA DIVINA<br />

FRAU MARGOT<br />

GOD BLESS US, EVERYONE!<br />

THE HOTEL CASABLANCA<br />

INES DE CASTRO<br />

Persichetti, V<strong>in</strong>cent<br />

Ran, Shulamit<br />

Ratner, Leonard<br />

Richter, Ada<br />

Rochberg, George<br />

Ross<strong>in</strong>i, Giacomo<br />

Roussel, Albert<br />

Roxburgh, Edw<strong>in</strong><br />

Roy, Klaus George<br />

Salerni, Paul<br />

Sandow, Gregory<br />

Scarlatti, Alessandro<br />

Schuman, William<br />

Sessions, Roger<br />

Shepard, Thomas Z.<br />

Simons, Netty<br />

Smith, Leland<br />

Sokol<strong>of</strong>f, Noel<br />

Taylor, Raynor<br />

Thorne, Francis<br />

Vernon, Ashley<br />

Walden, Stanley<br />

Weisgall, Hugo<br />

LADY MACBETH<br />

MARIA ELENA<br />

PADREVIA<br />

THE PENITENTES<br />

THE SEAGULL<br />

SIGNOR DELUSO<br />

THE TRIAL OF MARY LINCOLN<br />

THREE SISTERS<br />

WASHINGTON SQUARE<br />

THE WOMEN<br />

THE SIBYL<br />

BETWEEN TWO WORLDS (The Dyybuk)<br />

THE NECKLACE<br />

MERRY CHRISTMAS, MISTER SNOWMAN!<br />

THE CONFIDENCE MAN<br />

THE TURK IN ITALY<br />

AUNT CAROLINE’S WILL<br />

ABELARD<br />

STERLINGMAN, OR<br />

GENEROSITY REWARDED<br />

THE LIFE AND LOVE OF JOE COOGAN<br />

TONY CARUSO’S FINAL BROADCAST<br />

A CHRISTMAS CAROL<br />

THE RICHEST GIRL IN THE WORLD<br />

FINDS HAPPINESS<br />

THE TRIUMPH OF HONOR<br />

A QUESTION OF TASTE<br />

MONTEZUMA<br />

THE TRIAL OF LUCULLUS<br />

A QUESTION OF FAITH<br />

(“Love <strong>in</strong> Two Countries”)<br />

THAT PIG OF A MOLETTE<br />

(“Love <strong>in</strong> Two Countries”)<br />

THE BELLWITCH OF TENNESSEE<br />

SANTA CLAUS, A MORALITY<br />

THE FRANKLIN’S TALE<br />

THE PARDONER’S TALE<br />

BUXOM JOAN<br />

MARIO AND THE MAGICIAN<br />

THE BARBER OF NEW YORK<br />

CUPID AND PSYCHE<br />

GRAND SLAM<br />

THE TRIUMPH OF PUNCH<br />

DR. FAUSTUS LIGHTS THE LIGHTS<br />

KAFKA: LETTER TO MY FATHER<br />

(Liebster Vater)<br />

ATHALIAH<br />

ESTHER<br />

THE GARDENS OF ADONIS<br />

JENNY, OR THE HUNDRED NIGHTS<br />

NINE RIVERS FROM JORDAN<br />

PURGATORY<br />

SIX CHARACTERS IN SEARCH<br />

OF AN AUTHOR<br />

THE STRONGER<br />

THE TENOR<br />

WILL YOU MARRY ME?<br />

— iv —<br />

<strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong> • 1588 North Gulph Road, K<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> Prussia, PA 19406 USA • www.presser.com


Fully L<strong>in</strong>ked Index - Click any title to go to more <strong>in</strong>formation<br />

Welcher, Dan<br />

Yeamans, L.E.<br />

Chamber Operas<br />

DELLA’S GIFT<br />

“A Star Over Fifth Avenue”)<br />

HOLY NIGHT<br />

(“A Star Over Fifth Avenue”)<br />

THE YELLOW WALLPAPER<br />

LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD<br />

Aitken, Hugh FABLES<br />

Bach, P.D.Q. HANSEL AND GRETEL AND TED AND ALICE<br />

A LITTLE NIGHTMARE MUSIC<br />

THE STONED GUEST<br />

Baksa, Robert RED CARNATIONS<br />

Barab, Seymour AMERICAN PUNCHLINES<br />

ANDROCLES AND THE LION<br />

THE BETROTHAL OF BECKY BROWN<br />

JEWISH HUMOR FROM OY TO VEY<br />

SAY CHEESE<br />

SCENES IN WONDERLAND<br />

Blank, Allen ARIA DA CAPO<br />

Bolcom, William CASINO PARADISE<br />

LUCREZIA<br />

MEDUSA<br />

Brisman, Heskel WHIRLIGIG<br />

Caltabiano, Ronald MARRYING THE HANGMAN<br />

De Cormier, Robert THE JOLLY BEGGARS<br />

Drew, James MYSTERIUM<br />

Eak<strong>in</strong>, Charles THE BOX<br />

F<strong>in</strong>nissy, Michael VAUDEVILLE<br />

Fuchs, Kenneth A BETROTHAL<br />

THE GREAT NEBULA IN ORION<br />

Gordon, Ricky Ian GREEN SNEAKERS<br />

RAPPAHANNOCK COUNTY<br />

Hamilton, Ia<strong>in</strong> CLEOPATRA<br />

ON THE EVE<br />

PHARSALIA<br />

Handel, George Frederic<br />

JULIUS CAESAR<br />

Harnick, Sheldon FRUSTRATION<br />

Haydn, Franz Joseph LA CANTERINA (The Songstress)<br />

Kanitz, Ernst PERPETUAL<br />

Kim, Earl<br />

FOOTFALLS<br />

Lee, Thomas Oboe THE INMAN DIARIES<br />

Mayer, William BRIEF CANDLE<br />

Moss, Lawrence THE BRUTE<br />

Pasatieri, Thomas BEFORE BREAKFAST<br />

CALVARY<br />

THE DAUGHTER OF CAPULET<br />

LA DIVINA<br />

THE FAMILY ROOM<br />

THE HOTEL CASABLANCA<br />

LADY MACBETH<br />

PADREVIA<br />

SIGNOR DELUSO<br />

WASHINGTON SQUARE<br />

THE WOMEN<br />

Ratner, Leonard<br />

Roy, Klaus George<br />

Salerni, Paul<br />

Sandow, Gregory<br />

Scarlatti, Alessandro<br />

Schuman, William<br />

Sokol<strong>of</strong>f, Noel<br />

Taylor, Raynor<br />

Walden, Stanley<br />

Weisgall, Hugo<br />

Welcher, Dan<br />

Children’s Operas<br />

THE NECKLACE<br />

STERLINGMAN, OR GENEROSITY<br />

REWARDED<br />

THE LIFE AND LOVE OF JOE COOGAN<br />

TONY CARUSO’S FINAL BROADCAST<br />

THE RICHEST GIRL IN THE WORLD<br />

FINDS HAPPINESS<br />

THE TRIUMPH OF HONOR<br />

A QUESTION OF TASTE<br />

THE FRANKLIN’S TALE<br />

THE PARDONER’S TALE<br />

BUXOM JOAN<br />

DR. FAUSTUS LIGHTS THE LIGHTS<br />

KAFKA: LETTER TO MY FATHER<br />

(Liebster Vater)<br />

PURGATORY<br />

THE STRONGER<br />

WILL YOU MARRY ME?<br />

DELLA’S GIFT<br />

THE YELLOW WALLPAPER<br />

Barab, Seymour ANDROCLES AND THE LION<br />

CINDERELLA<br />

THE CODE OF THE WEST<br />

(suitable for High School)<br />

THE PIED PIPER<br />

SLEEPING BEAUTY<br />

Caldwell, Mary Elizabeth<br />

THE NIGHT OF THE STAR<br />

Cunn<strong>in</strong>gham, Arthur OSTRICH FEATHERS<br />

Dorff, Daniel STONE SOUP<br />

Fitelberg, Jerzy HENNY PENNY<br />

Gorney, Jay GEOGRAFOOF<br />

Hagemann, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia THE BIRD’S CHRISTMAS CAROL<br />

A CHRISTMAS CAROL<br />

PIED PIPER<br />

Hailstork, Adolphus JOSHUA’S BOOTS<br />

Jason, Daniel KRIS KRINGLE RIDES AGAIN<br />

Loder, Marion CINDERELLA IN FLOWERLAND<br />

Richter, Ada MERRY CHRISTMAS, MISTER SNOWMAN!<br />

Sandow, Gregory A CHRISTMAS CAROL<br />

Yeamans, L.E. LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD<br />

Monodramas<br />

Bolcom, William<br />

Caltabiano, Ronald<br />

Gordon, Ricky Ian<br />

Hamilton, Ia<strong>in</strong><br />

Pasatieri, Thomas<br />

Weisgall, Hugo<br />

MEDUSA<br />

MARRYING THE HANGMAN<br />

GREEN SNEAKERS<br />

CLEOPATRA<br />

BEFORE BREAKFAST<br />

THE DAUGHTER OF CAPULET<br />

LADY MACBETH<br />

THE STRONGER<br />

— —<br />

<strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong> • 1588 North Gulph Road, K<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> Prussia, PA 19406 USA • www.presser.com


Fully L<strong>in</strong>ked Index - Click any title to go to more <strong>in</strong>formation<br />

Operas without Chorus<br />

Bach, P.D.Q. HANSEL AND GRETEL AND TED AND ALICE<br />

A LITTLE NIGHTMARE MUSIC<br />

THE STONED GUEST<br />

Baksa, Robert RED CARNATIONS<br />

Barab, Seymour AMERICAN PUNCHLINES<br />

ANDROCLES AND THE LION<br />

JEWISH HUMOR FROM OY TO VEY<br />

SAY CHEESE<br />

SCENES IN WONDERLAND<br />

Blank, Allen ARIA DA CAPO<br />

Blitzste<strong>in</strong>, Marc SACCO AND VANZETTI<br />

Bolcom, William CASINO PARADISE<br />

LUCREZIA<br />

MEDUSA<br />

A WEDDING<br />

Bowles, Paul THE WIND REMAINS<br />

Brian, Havergal THE CENCI<br />

TURANDOT<br />

Brisman, Heskel WHIRLIGIG<br />

Caltabiano, Ronald MARRYING THE HANGMAN<br />

Eak<strong>in</strong>, Charles THE BOX<br />

F<strong>in</strong>nissy, Michael VAUDEVILLE<br />

Fuchs, Kenneth A BETROTHAL<br />

THE GREAT NEBULA IN ORION<br />

Fuchs, Peter Paul SERENADE AT NOON<br />

Getty, Gordon PLUMP JACK<br />

Goldste<strong>in</strong>, Lee THE FAN<br />

Gordon, Ricky Ian GREEN SNEAKERS<br />

RAPPAHANNOCK COUNTY<br />

Hailstork, Adolphus PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR:<br />

COMMON GROUND<br />

Hamilton, Ia<strong>in</strong> CLEOPATRA<br />

LANCELOT<br />

PHARSALIA<br />

ON THE EVE<br />

THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH<br />

Handel, George Frederic<br />

JULIUS CAESAR<br />

Harnick, Sheldon FRUSTRATION<br />

Haydn, Franz Joseph LA CANTERINA (The Songstress)<br />

Kanitz, Ernst PERPETUAL<br />

Kim, Earl<br />

FOOTFALLS<br />

Kohs, Ellis B. AMERIKA<br />

Kupferman, Meyer THE CUROUS FERN<br />

IN A GARDEN<br />

VOICES FOR A MIRROR<br />

Laderman, Ezra GOODBYE TO THE CLOWN<br />

Lee, Thomas Oboe THE INMAN DIARIES<br />

Lehrman, Leonard KARLA<br />

SUPPOSE A WEDDING<br />

Liebermann, Lowell THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY<br />

Moss, Lawrence THE BRUTE<br />

Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus<br />

THE IMPRESARIO<br />

Pasatieri, Thomas BEFORE BREAKFAST<br />

BLACK WIDOW<br />

CALVARY<br />

LA DIVINA<br />

THE FAMILY ROOM<br />

FRAU MARGOT<br />

THE HOTEL CASABLANCA<br />

LADY MACBETH<br />

PADREVIA<br />

THE SEAGULL (reduced version)<br />

SIGNOR DELUSO<br />

THREE SISTERS<br />

THE TRIAL OF MARY LINCOLN<br />

WASHINGTON SQUARE<br />

THE WOMEN<br />

Ratner, Leonard THE NECKLACE<br />

Roy, Klaus George STERLINGMAN, OR GENEROSITY<br />

REWARDED<br />

Salerni, Paul THE LIFE AND LOVE OF JOE COOGAN<br />

TONY CARUSO’S FINAL BROADCAST<br />

Sandow, Gregory THE RICHEST GIRL IN THE WORLD<br />

FINDS HAPPINESS<br />

Scarlatti, Alessandro THE TRIUMPH OF HONOR<br />

Schuman, William A QUESTION OF TASTE<br />

Sessions, Roger MONTEZUMA<br />

Shepard, Thomas Z. A QUESTION OF FAITH<br />

THAT PIG OF A MOLETTE<br />

Sokol<strong>of</strong>f, Noel THE FRANKLIN’S TALE<br />

THE PARDONER’S TALE<br />

Taylor, Raynor BUXOM JOAN<br />

Walden, Stanley DR. FAUSTUS LIGHTS THE LIGHTS<br />

KAFKA: LETTER TO MY FATHER<br />

Weisgall, Hugo THE GARDENS OF ADONIS<br />

PURGATORY<br />

THE STRONGER<br />

THE TENOR<br />

WILL YOU MARRY ME?<br />

Welcher, Dan DELLA’S GIFT<br />

HOLY NIGHT<br />

THE YELLOW WALLPAPER<br />

— vi —<br />

<strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong> • 1588 North Gulph Road, K<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> Prussia, PA 19406 USA • www.presser.com


ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Aitken, Hugh (b. 1924)<br />

Fables<br />

Diversion for four to thirty s<strong>in</strong>gers and n<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong>struments, based on ten <strong>of</strong> La Fonta<strong>in</strong>e’s fables<br />

Freely translated and extended by <strong>the</strong> composer.<br />

Publisher: Elkan-Vogel Inc.<br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Includes:<br />

The Cicada and <strong>the</strong> Ant<br />

The Oak and <strong>the</strong> Reed<br />

The Wolf and <strong>the</strong> Lamb<br />

The Pilgrims and <strong>the</strong> Oyster<br />

The Companions <strong>of</strong> Odysseus<br />

Cast: Soprano, 2 Tenor, Bass (m<strong>in</strong>imum)<br />

Dur: 90’<br />

Instr: Flute, 2 Oboes, Bassoon, Str<strong>in</strong>g Quartet<br />

Felipe<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />

Libretto by Laura Tapia, adapted from Cervantes’ “El Celoso Estremeño”<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

The Raven and <strong>the</strong> Fox<br />

The Meet<strong>in</strong>g Held by <strong>the</strong> Rats<br />

The Cat and <strong>the</strong> Two Sparrows<br />

The Animals Sick with <strong>the</strong> Plague<br />

Death and <strong>the</strong> Woodcutter<br />

In 16th-century Spa<strong>in</strong>, a light-hearted attempt at seduction has serious and unforeseen consequences as<br />

Loaysa attempts to w<strong>in</strong> Leonora from her sugar-daddy Felipe.<br />

Cast:<br />

Dur:<br />

Instr:<br />

Pr<strong>in</strong>cipal Roles: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass-Baritone, Bass<br />

Support<strong>in</strong>g Roles: Tenor, Baritone, Bass<br />

Bit Roles: 2 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano<br />

Supernumeraries: Leonora’s parents, a priest & notary<br />

- necessary silent roles; patrons <strong>in</strong> tavern – optional<br />

Dance Requirements: Except for Felipe and Loaysa’s 3 friends, all dance <strong>in</strong> Act two,<br />

though no one need appear very skilled.<br />

full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />

3 3 3 2 - 4 2 3 1; Timp. 2Perc. Hp. Str.<br />

Bach, P.D.Q. (1807-1742?)<br />

The Abduction <strong>of</strong> Figaro<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />

Libretto by Peter Schickele<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Mozartian (…or almost-Mozartian) characters <strong>in</strong>term<strong>in</strong>gle <strong>in</strong> a rollick<strong>in</strong>g plot as Figaro and his wife,<br />

Susanna Susannadanna, become <strong>in</strong>extricably <strong>in</strong>volved with o<strong>the</strong>rs such as Pecadillo, Donald Giovanni,<br />

Schlepporello, Papa Geno, not forgett<strong>in</strong>g an enchant<strong>in</strong>g Corpse de Ballet.<br />

Cast: 2 Soprano, 2 Mezzo-Soprano, Countertenor, Tenor, 4 Baritone, Bass-Baritone,<br />

2 Speak<strong>in</strong>g (1 = Baritone s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g range, but not a tra<strong>in</strong>ed s<strong>in</strong>ger)<br />

Mixed Chorus:<br />

Servants to <strong>the</strong> Pasha and Harem Women (Act II);<br />

Woodcutters, Huntsmen and Huntswomen (Act III)<br />

Corpse de Ballet: The Pasha’s Dancers; Wood Sprites;<br />

Opera <strong>Company</strong> Manager (speak<strong>in</strong>g); Narrator (voice only)<br />

Dur: 150’<br />

Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 2 2 3 0; Timp. 2Perc. Ukelele/Pedal Steel Guitar/El.Guitar. Pno. or Hpscd. Str.<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Hansel and Gretel and Ted and Alice<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> One Unnatural Act<br />

Libretto by Peter Schickele<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Why Bob and Carol do not appear <strong>in</strong> this opera is only one <strong>of</strong> many <strong>in</strong>explicable conundra; this is one<br />

<strong>of</strong> P.D.Q. Bach’s most <strong>in</strong>comprehensible operas, and <strong>the</strong> character <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Monk is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most<br />

<strong>in</strong>comprehensible characters <strong>in</strong> it, and <strong>the</strong> aria sung by <strong>the</strong> Monk is <strong>in</strong>comprehensible <strong>in</strong> several different<br />

languages.<br />

Cast: Barga<strong>in</strong> Counter Tenor; 2 Female S<strong>in</strong>gers, 6 Male S<strong>in</strong>gers<br />

Dur: 20’<br />

Instr: Calliope/Beri Beritone, Hpscd. Pno. Water glasses<br />

A Little Nightmare Music<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> One Irrevocable Act<br />

Libretto by Peter Schickele<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Based on an actual dream that P.D.Q. Bach had on <strong>the</strong> night <strong>of</strong> December 4, 1791, <strong>the</strong> night that<br />

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart died and Antonio Salieri didn’t.<br />

Cast: Tenor, Baritone, 2 non-s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g roles (1 preferably a viol<strong>in</strong>ist)<br />

Dur: 20’<br />

Instr: Str<strong>in</strong>gs - to <strong>the</strong> music <strong>of</strong> E<strong>in</strong>e Kle<strong>in</strong>e Nachtmusik.<br />

Conducted by first viol<strong>in</strong>ist from part; no full orchestral score.<br />

Specially marked str<strong>in</strong>g parts on rental.<br />

Sale: Vocal Score 411-41085<br />

Oedipus Tex<br />

Dramatic Oratorio or Opera <strong>in</strong> One Cathartic Act<br />

Libretto by Peter Schickele<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Once aga<strong>in</strong>, we venture <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> unchartered territory <strong>of</strong> a “heret<strong>of</strong>ore deservedly unknown oratorio by<br />

<strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>uscule master <strong>of</strong> We<strong>in</strong>-am-Rhe<strong>in</strong>,” P.D.Q. Bach [accord<strong>in</strong>g to Telarc]. The Oedipus complex is alive<br />

and well, and dabbl<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Country & Western music.<br />

Cast: SATB Soloists, SATB Chorus<br />

Dur: 30’<br />

Instr: 1 1 1 1 - 1 2 1 0; Timp. Perc. Kbd. Harmonica (or Harmonium) Str.<br />

Sale: Vocal Score 412-410720<br />

The Stoned Guest<br />

Half-Act Opera<br />

Libretto by Peter Schickele<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Opera without chorus<br />

With characters such as Don Octave, <strong>the</strong> Commendatoreador and Carmen Ghia, <strong>the</strong> names seem<br />

strangely familiar, yet confused ... All does fall <strong>in</strong>to place, however, but we would hate to spoil <strong>the</strong><br />

surprise by giv<strong>in</strong>g away <strong>the</strong> plot!<br />

Cast: Mezzan<strong>in</strong>e-Soprano, Off-Coloratura Soprano, Barga<strong>in</strong> Counter Tenor<br />

Dur: 35’<br />

Instr: 1 1 0 1 - 1 1 1 0; Hpscd. Str.<br />

Sale: Vocal Score 411-41055<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Baksa, Robert (b. 1938)<br />

Red Carnations<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer from <strong>the</strong> play by Glenn Hughes<br />

Publisher: Composers Library Editions<br />

Chamber Opera<br />

A boy and girl meet <strong>in</strong> disguise at a costume party, and arrange a date: he will wear a red carnation.<br />

However, at <strong>the</strong> appo<strong>in</strong>ted place, she f<strong>in</strong>ds not only <strong>the</strong> boy, but also an older man, both wear<strong>in</strong>g red<br />

carnations. The girl’s apparent confusion leads to a lively <strong>in</strong>teraction between <strong>the</strong> three characters.<br />

Cast: Soprano, Tenor, Baritone<br />

Dur: 35’<br />

Instr: 1 1 2 1 - 0 0 0 0; Pno. Str. (3Vln. Vla. 2Vcl. Cb.)<br />

Sale: Vocal Score 492-00003<br />

Barab, Seymour (b. 1921)<br />

American Punchl<strong>in</strong>es<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Opera without chorus<br />

A comedy <strong>of</strong> one-l<strong>in</strong>ers. Ba-da-boom!<br />

Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone<br />

Dur: 60’<br />

Instr: Piano<br />

Androcles and <strong>the</strong> Lion<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Children’s Opera<br />

A classical tale attributed to Aesop. Escaped slave Androcles saves a lion <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> forest from great pa<strong>in</strong> by<br />

extract<strong>in</strong>g a thorn from his paw. Recaptured by soldiers, Androcles is condemned to be thrown to <strong>the</strong> lions<br />

<strong>in</strong> front <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Emperor; but <strong>in</strong>stead <strong>of</strong> attack<strong>in</strong>g him, <strong>the</strong> beast <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> arena, <strong>the</strong> same that Androcles had<br />

saved, approached him <strong>in</strong> a docile way and stroked him with his paw. Amazed, <strong>the</strong> Emperor granted<br />

freedom both to Androcles and to <strong>the</strong> lion.<br />

Cast: Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Narrator, Stage Manager (mime)<br />

Dur: 50’<br />

Instr: Piano<br />

The Betrothal <strong>of</strong> Becky Brown<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Becky is born to Nasty Brown, a notorious bandit, but grows up to reject dishonesty. Nasty betroths her<br />

to a fellow outlaw <strong>in</strong> hopes <strong>of</strong> salvag<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> family honor. Becky <strong>in</strong>tends to marry a respectable citizen,<br />

but discovers just <strong>in</strong> time that <strong>the</strong> ethics <strong>of</strong> respectability can be worse than those <strong>of</strong> crim<strong>in</strong>ality.<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

C<strong>in</strong>derella<br />

Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, 2 Baritone, Bass; Chorus<br />

Dur: 30’<br />

Instr: 1 - a cappella version (Piano/Vocal Score available for rehearsal. If a cappella is not<br />

possible, it may be accompanied by str<strong>in</strong>g quartet, duplicat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> vocal parts)<br />

2- Chamber Orchestra (composer will orchestrate to order)<br />

A Fairy Tale Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer, after <strong>the</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rs Grimm<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

A rollick<strong>in</strong>g — and rock<strong>in</strong>g — <strong>in</strong>terpretation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> famous tale, with plenty <strong>of</strong> enjoyment for older<br />

audiences!<br />

Children’s Opera<br />

Cast: 2 Soprano, Soprano or Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, 6 Baritone<br />

Chorus: Soldiers, Children, Royal Entourage, Skeletons, Townspeople [boys or girls], Pages<br />

Dur: 120’<br />

Instr: 1 1 2 1 - 2 1 1 0; Perc. Str. or Piano<br />

The Code <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> West<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Cast:<br />

Dur:<br />

Instr:<br />

Soprano/Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, 6 Baritone/Bass; 2 spoken roles; Chorus<br />

Piano<br />

Jewish Humor from Oy to Vey<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

The Borscht Belt staged: a dramatization <strong>of</strong> Jewish jokes.<br />

Children’s Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

The Pied Piper<br />

Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone<br />

Dur: 60’<br />

Instr: Piano<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Children’s Opera<br />

Cast: Soprano, (2) Mezzo-Soprano (roles may be doubled), Baritone,<br />

Children (Rats, Children, Policeman)<br />

Dur: 50’<br />

Instr: Piano<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Say Cheese<br />

Comic opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Jimmy, a disillusioned photographer, prepares to take his life, but is <strong>in</strong>terrupted by a distraught customer<br />

who threatens suicide unless he has his picture taken. Enter a third man also on <strong>the</strong> verge <strong>of</strong> suicide<br />

because <strong>of</strong> unrequited love. Jimmy’s girlfriend now has three unh<strong>in</strong>ged men on her hands, and uses her<br />

wits to save <strong>the</strong> day.<br />

Cast: Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Bass<br />

Dur: 40’<br />

Instr: Piano<br />

Scenes <strong>in</strong> Wonderland<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Alice’s adventures <strong>in</strong> Wonderland.<br />

Cast: 2 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Narrator<br />

Dur: 40’<br />

Instr: Piano<br />

Sleep<strong>in</strong>g Beauty<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Children’s Opera<br />

The wicked fairy’s spell is no match for true love and a handsome pr<strong>in</strong>ce.<br />

Cast: 2 Sopranos, Soprano or Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, 6 Baritones<br />

Chorus: Soldiers, Children, Royal Entourage, Skeletons, Townspeople [Boys or Girls], Pages<br />

Dur: 120’<br />

Instr: Piano or 1 1 2 1 - 2 1 1 0; Perc. Str.<br />

Biscardi, Chester (b. 1948)<br />

Tight-Rope<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> N<strong>in</strong>e Scenes<br />

Libretto by Henry Butler<br />

Publisher: Merion Music Inc.<br />

A search for identity and <strong>the</strong> risk <strong>in</strong>volved not only <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> search, but <strong>in</strong> be<strong>in</strong>g true to <strong>the</strong> discovery. “I<br />

must live with my many selves,” s<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>the</strong> Actor, who has spent <strong>the</strong> opera search<strong>in</strong>g for <strong>the</strong> essence <strong>of</strong><br />

poet Lu<strong>the</strong>r Dane, <strong>the</strong> man whose character he must portray <strong>in</strong> a film. “We walk a tight-rope,” declares<br />

<strong>the</strong> Actor to Lu<strong>the</strong>r Dane <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> open<strong>in</strong>g scene. “One false step, one dishonest word, and we fall - we<br />

deserve to fall!” Dane has arranged his “death,” but lives on; he has returned to help <strong>the</strong> Actor discover<br />

who he truly is.<br />

Cast: Soprano (dramatic mezzo), Soprano (coloratura), Soprano (mezzo or dramatic),<br />

Soprano (lyric mezzo), 2 Tenor, Baritone, Bass-Baritone, Bass;<br />

Non-s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g roles: Director, Film Crew, Party Guests, etc.<br />

Dur: 90’<br />

Instr: 1(Picc.) 0(E.H.) 1(B.Cl.) 1, Sop.Sax.(Ten. Sax.); 2 1 1 0;<br />

3Perc. Pno. Hp. Str. (at least 33344; reduced version 11111)<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Blank, Allen (b. 1925)<br />

Aria da Capo<br />

Chamber opera on a play by Edna St. V<strong>in</strong>cent Millay<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

A satire deal<strong>in</strong>g with some <strong>of</strong> weaknesses <strong>of</strong> human nature <strong>in</strong> a comedic way, through <strong>the</strong> characters <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> cynical Pierrot, <strong>the</strong> ditsy Columb<strong>in</strong>e, and <strong>the</strong> naively <strong>in</strong>nocent Corydon and Thyrsis, overseen by <strong>the</strong><br />

manipulative Cothurnus, Masque <strong>of</strong> Tragedy.<br />

Cast: Soprano, 2 Tenor, Baritone, Bass<br />

Dur: 50’<br />

Instr: 1 1 1 1 - 1 1 1 0; Timp. Perc. Str.<br />

Blitzste<strong>in</strong>, Marc (1905-1964)<br />

Tales <strong>of</strong> Malamud<br />

One-act operas to be performed toge<strong>the</strong>r as “Tales <strong>of</strong> Malamud” or separately<br />

(“Idiots First,” by Blitzste<strong>in</strong> and “Karla” by Leonard Lehrman)<br />

Conceived by Marc Blitzste<strong>in</strong>, completed by Leonard Lehrman<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Dur:<br />

full even<strong>in</strong>g when performed toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />

Idiots First<br />

One act opera<br />

Conceived by Marc Blitzste<strong>in</strong>, completed by Leonard Lehrman, based on <strong>the</strong> story by Bernard Malamud<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

A Jewish Everyman fable. A dy<strong>in</strong>g old man tries to provide for his learn<strong>in</strong>g-disabled adult son, and is<br />

taunted by an Angel <strong>of</strong> Death. Ultimately, however, even <strong>the</strong> Angel <strong>of</strong> Death takes pity.<br />

Cast: Soprano, 3 Tenor, Baritone, 2 Baritone, Bass, 4 Actor (2 Silent), Silent Actors(<strong>Company</strong>)<br />

Dur: 60’<br />

Instr: 2(Picc.) 2(E.H.) 2(B.Cl.) 2 - 2 2 2 1; Timp. Perc. Syn. Pno. 2Vln. Vla. Vcl. Cb.<br />

Sacco and Vanzetti<br />

An opera <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />

Words and music begun by Marc Blitzste<strong>in</strong>, completed by Leonard Lehrman<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

An exam<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> notorious trial <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1920s.<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Cast: Large Cast; or cast <strong>of</strong> 10 with doubl<strong>in</strong>gs:<br />

2 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, 3 Tenor, 3 Baritone, Bass<br />

Dur: Full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Instr: 2(d.Picc.) 2(E.H.) 2(1d.Ef, A.Sax., 2d.Ten.Sax.) 2(d.Cbsn.) - 2 2 2(d.Tu.) 0;<br />

3Perc. Pno.(d.Cel.) Accordion(opt.) Str.<br />

Perc: Vibraphone, Xylophone, Marimba, Chimes, Crash Cymbals, Crotales,<br />

5 Temple Blocks, 3 Timpani, 4 Tomtoms, Snare Drum, Bass Crum, High Hat,<br />

Suspended Cymbal, 2 Triangles, 2 Gongs, Tamtam, Wood Block, Tambour<strong>in</strong>e,<br />

Claves, Whip, Ratchet<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Bolcom, William (b. 1938)<br />

Cas<strong>in</strong>o Paradise (1991, rev. 2004)<br />

Musical <strong>the</strong>ater opera for 13 s<strong>in</strong>gers and 7 <strong>in</strong>strumentalists<br />

Book and lyrics by Arnold We<strong>in</strong>ste<strong>in</strong><br />

Orchestration by Bruce Coughl<strong>in</strong><br />

Publisher: E.B. Marks<br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without Chorus<br />

A dark comedy about a wealthy entrepreneur who builds a gambl<strong>in</strong>g cas<strong>in</strong>o <strong>in</strong> a seaside resort, wreak<strong>in</strong>g<br />

mayhem not only <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> town, but also with<strong>in</strong> his own family. The mogul lives by money and greed, and<br />

his son <strong>in</strong>itially has strong moral objections to his fa<strong>the</strong>r’s way <strong>of</strong> life. However, <strong>the</strong>y both experience<br />

dramatic character changes…<br />

Cast:<br />

Dur:<br />

Instr:<br />

9 s<strong>in</strong>gers, small chorus<br />

full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />

3 Reeds(Alto Sax./Fl./Picc./Cl., Cl./Sop.Sax./Ob., Bari.Sax./B.Cl.) 1 Brass(Tbn/Tba),<br />

Piano & Keyboard (2 Players) 1 Perc.( Drums/Perc.)<br />

(Cabaret version for 3 or 4 s<strong>in</strong>gers and 2 keyboard players also available)<br />

Lucrezia<br />

Comic Opera<br />

Libretto by Mark Campbell, based on “La Mandragola” by Machiavelli<br />

Publisher: E.B. Marks Music Co.<br />

F<strong>in</strong>ally, an opera hero<strong>in</strong>e who is not neurotic about sex! Machiavelli’s tale <strong>of</strong> fraud for personal ga<strong>in</strong> is<br />

re-told by Mark Campbell from <strong>the</strong> woman’s po<strong>in</strong>t <strong>of</strong> view, and Lucrezia becomes a hero<strong>in</strong>e who is very<br />

much <strong>in</strong> control <strong>of</strong> her dest<strong>in</strong>y. Deceptions may abound, but it is all to everyone’s satisfaction <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> end.<br />

Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Bass<br />

Dur: 45’<br />

Instr: 2 Pianos<br />

McTeague<br />

An opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />

Libretto by Robert Altman and Arnold We<strong>in</strong>ste<strong>in</strong>, after <strong>the</strong> novel by Frank Norris<br />

Publisher: E.B. Marks Music Co.<br />

Set <strong>in</strong> turn-<strong>of</strong>-<strong>the</strong>-century San Francisco and Death Valley, a tale <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> lust for gold and <strong>the</strong> corruption <strong>of</strong><br />

character which accompanies that vice.<br />

Medusa<br />

Cast: Pr<strong>in</strong>cipal Roles: Soprano, Dramatic Mezzo-Soprano, Heroic Tenor, Baritone<br />

O<strong>the</strong>rs: Boy Soprano (10-12 years old), Mezzo-Soprano, High Baritone or Tenor,<br />

Baritone (buffo), Middle Baritone, Subcontrabass; Quartet (2 Tenor, Baritone, Bass);<br />

Mixed ensemble, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g small parts (ca.16 people)<br />

Dur: 150’<br />

Instr: 3(Picc.) 3(E.H.) 3(EfCl. A-Cl. B.Cl.) 3(Cbsn.) - 4 3(Flugelhn. Picc.) 3(B.Tbn.) 1;<br />

Timp. 3Perc. Hp. Sampler Str.<br />

Sale: Vocal Score (Hal Leonard)<br />

Monodrama for Dramatic Soprano and Str<strong>in</strong>g Orchestra<br />

Libretto by Arnold We<strong>in</strong>ste<strong>in</strong><br />

Publisher: E.B. Marks Music Co.<br />

A real tour de force for <strong>the</strong> soprano, who portrays not only <strong>the</strong> monster from Greek mythology, but also<br />

<strong>the</strong> beautiful maiden that she once was.<br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Monodrama<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Cast: Soprano<br />

Dur: 25’<br />

Instr: Str<strong>in</strong>g Orchestra<br />

A View from <strong>the</strong> Bridge<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />

Libretto by Arthur Miller and Arnold We<strong>in</strong>ste<strong>in</strong>, after <strong>the</strong> play by Arthur Miller<br />

Publisher: E.B. Marks Music Co.<br />

Longshoreman Eddie takes two illegal immigrants <strong>in</strong>to his home, but when one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m announces<br />

that he <strong>in</strong>tends to marry Eddie’s pretty teenaged niece, it leads to a clash <strong>of</strong> characters and all <strong>the</strong> dire<br />

emotions and drama that are <strong>the</strong> stuff <strong>of</strong> opera, as jealousies explode <strong>in</strong>to betrayal and violence.<br />

A Wedd<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Cast: Pr<strong>in</strong>cipal Roles: 2 Soprano, Tenor, 2 Bass-Baritone<br />

O<strong>the</strong>rs: 3 Tenor, Baritone, Bass-Baritone, Chorus<br />

Dur: 124’<br />

Instr: 3 3 3 3 - 4 3 3 1; Perc. Hp. Kbd. Str.<br />

Sale: Vocal Score (Hal Leonard)<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />

Libretto by Arnold We<strong>in</strong>ste<strong>in</strong> and Robert Altman, based on <strong>the</strong> Robert Altman/ John Consid<strong>in</strong>e<br />

20th-Century Fox film “A Wedd<strong>in</strong>g”<br />

Publisher: E.B. Marks Music Co.<br />

An operatic comedy <strong>of</strong> manners. Politics, social façades and affairs provide <strong>the</strong> fuel for a hilarious and<br />

fast-mov<strong>in</strong>g farce, as <strong>the</strong> bride and groom attempt to survive <strong>the</strong>ir wedd<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>in</strong> spite <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> antics <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

relatives.<br />

Cast:<br />

Dur:<br />

Instr:<br />

5 Soprano, 1 Soprano or Mezzo, 2 Mezzo-Soprano, 3 Tenor, 4 Baritone, 1 Bass<br />

full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />

3 3 3 3 - 4 3 3 1; Timp. 3Perc. Pno. Hp. Str.<br />

Onstage Band: Ten.Sax. Elec.Kbd. Elec.Gtr. Elec.Bass Trap Set<br />

(can be also <strong>in</strong> orchestra pit or <strong>of</strong>fstage)<br />

Reduced version: 2(d.Picc.) 2(d.E.H.) 2(1d.Ef, 2d.B.Cl.) 2 – 2(1d.Picc. & Ct.) 2 2(B.Tbn.) 0;<br />

2Perc. Kbd, Str.<br />

Onstage Band: Ten.Sax. Elec.Kbd. Elec.Gtr. Elec.Bass Trap Set<br />

(can be also <strong>in</strong> orchestra pit or <strong>of</strong>fstage)<br />

Bond, Victoria (b. 1945)<br />

Mrs. President<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />

Libretto by Hilary Bell<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

In 1872, Victoria Woodhull ran for President aga<strong>in</strong>st Ulysses S. Grant on <strong>the</strong> Equal Rights Party ticket. Her<br />

platform <strong>in</strong>cluded women’s suffrage and many o<strong>the</strong>r much-needed social reforms, but also <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>the</strong><br />

<strong>in</strong>flammatory issue <strong>of</strong> free love and equality between <strong>the</strong> sexes, which caused her to be branded “Mrs.<br />

Satan.” Today, nearly 130 years later, most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> issues considered controversial <strong>the</strong>n are still hot topics.<br />

Cast: 3 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, 2 Tenor, Baritone; SATB Chorus<br />

Dur: 120’<br />

Instr: 2 2 2 2 – 2 2 1 0; Timp. 2Perc. Hp. Str.<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Bowles, Paul (1910-1999)<br />

The W<strong>in</strong>d Rema<strong>in</strong>s<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Text by Federico Garcia Lorca<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Cast: Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor; Off-stage: Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor Voice<br />

Dur: 20’<br />

Instr: 1 1(E.H.) 1 1 - 1 1 1 0; Perc. Hp. Str.<br />

Brian, Havergal (1876-1972)<br />

Agamemnon<br />

Music drama <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Publisher: United Music Publishers<br />

Agamemnon, return<strong>in</strong>g from war, is killed by his wife Clytemnestra, who does away with Cassandra,<br />

Agamemnon’s concub<strong>in</strong>e, for good measure. Brian dispatches this Greek tragedy with drama, concision<br />

and power.<br />

Cast: 6 s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g roles + SATB chorus<br />

Dur: 39’<br />

Instr: 4(d.Picc.) 3(E.H.) 3(B.Cl.) 4(d.Cbsn.) – 4 3 3 1; Timp. Perc. Hp. Str.<br />

The Cenci<br />

Music drama <strong>in</strong> eight scenes<br />

Text The Cenci by Percy Bysshe Shelly, abridged by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />

Publisher: United Music Publishers<br />

Cast: Soprano, Alto, 4 Tenor, 3 Baritone, 2 Bass; Guests at <strong>the</strong> feast, Judges at <strong>the</strong> court<br />

Dur: 100’<br />

Instr: 4(Picc.) 2(E.H.) 2 B.Cl. 4(Cbsn.) - 4 4 3 1; 2Timp. Perc. 2Hp. Str.<br />

Faust<br />

Music drama <strong>in</strong> a prologue and four acts<br />

Publisher: United Music Publishers<br />

Fashioned out <strong>of</strong> Part 1 <strong>of</strong> Goe<strong>the</strong>’s Faust without subvert<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> author’s dramatic <strong>in</strong>tentions, a masterful<br />

libretto from Goe<strong>the</strong>’s text. Despite his scholarly success, Faust is overwhelmed by ennui. He decides to<br />

<strong>in</strong>voke <strong>the</strong> Devil. When <strong>the</strong> Devil’s representative Mephistopheles appears, Faust makes a pact with him:<br />

that Mephistopheles will serve Faust br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g him knowledge and magic powers but, at <strong>the</strong> height <strong>of</strong><br />

Faust’s happ<strong>in</strong>ess, will seize his soul for eternal damnation. Mephistopheles serves Faust <strong>in</strong> several ways.<br />

He helps Faust seduce an <strong>in</strong>nocent and beautiful girl, Gretchen, who is destroyed. However, Gretchen’s<br />

naivety saves her and she ascends to Heaven while Faust is damned for ever.<br />

Cast: 12 s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g roles + SATB chorus<br />

Dur: 150’<br />

Instr: 4(d.Picc.) 3(E.H.) 4(Ef, B.Cl.) 4(d.Cbsn.) – 6 4 3 1 Euph.; Timp. Perc. Cel. 2Hp. Org. Str.<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

The Tigers<br />

Burlesque opera <strong>in</strong> prologue and three acts<br />

Text by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />

Publisher: United Music Publishers<br />

Turandot<br />

Cast: Prologue & Act I: 4 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, 3 Alto, 6 Tenor, 14 Baritone, 6 Bass<br />

Act II & Act III: 2 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, 5 Tenor, 2 Baritone, 4 Bass<br />

The Tigers (TTBB chorus) Crowds, etc. (SATB choruses)<br />

Dur: 100’<br />

Instr: 3(2Picc.) 3(E.H.) 3(Ef, B.Cl.) 3(Cbsn.) - 6 4 Bugle 4 Euph. 5; 3Timp. Perc. 2Hp. Organ, Str.<br />

Offstage: (Act III, scene 2): 2Picc. 4 Fl. 3Side Drum, 1Bass Drum<br />

Music drama <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />

Publisher: United Music Publishers<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Based on <strong>the</strong> same Gozzi story familiar from Pucc<strong>in</strong>i’s opera, but positioned ra<strong>the</strong>r differently as “a tragicomic<br />

fairytale”; it re<strong>in</strong>states Gozzi’s commedia dell’arte characters, ensur<strong>in</strong>g a greater degree <strong>of</strong> humour<br />

which contrasts with <strong>the</strong> potential tragedy <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong> plot. This Turandot is light, ironic and fantastical,<br />

and conta<strong>in</strong>s a large amount <strong>of</strong> music for orchestra alone, or where <strong>the</strong> contribution <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> voices is fairly<br />

m<strong>in</strong>imal.<br />

Cast: 11 s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g roles, plus mime and 8 m<strong>in</strong>or s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g roles<br />

Dur: 150’<br />

Instr: 3(2d.Picc.) 3(E.H.) 4(Ef, B.Cl.) 3(d.Cbsn.) – 4 4 3 1; Timp. Perc. Cel. 2Hp. Str.<br />

Brisman, Heskel (b. 1923)<br />

Whirligig<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by Jerome Greenfield, after <strong>the</strong> story by O. Henry<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

A poor couple <strong>in</strong> rural Tennessee visit <strong>the</strong> Justice <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Peace to get a divorce. As <strong>the</strong>y struggle through<br />

<strong>the</strong> proceed<strong>in</strong>gs, <strong>the</strong>y realize that <strong>the</strong>ir affection for each o<strong>the</strong>r outweighs <strong>the</strong>ir arguments, and end up<br />

re-marry<strong>in</strong>g each o<strong>the</strong>r.<br />

Cast: Soprano, Tenor, Baritone<br />

Dur: 35’<br />

Instr: 1 1 2 1 - 2 2 2 0; Timp. Perc. Pno. Str. (3Vln. Vcl. Cb.)<br />

Burrell, Diana (b. 1948)<br />

The Albatross<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer, after a story by Susan Hill<br />

Publisher: United Music Publishers<br />

Cast: 2 Soprano, 2 Mezzo-Soprano, Contralto, 4 Tenor, 2 Baritone, Bass, 4 Children, 4 Fishermen<br />

Dur: 90’<br />

Instr: 2(Picc.) 1(E.H.) 2(Basset Horn) 1(Cbsn.) – 3 0 0 0; 3Perc. Str. (m<strong>in</strong>. 4 4 3 2 1)<br />

Sale: Vocal Score 511-02208<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Caldwell, Mary Elizabeth (1909-2003)<br />

The Night <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Star<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act for <strong>the</strong> Christmas Season<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Children’s Opera<br />

The night <strong>of</strong> Christ’s birth comes to life through <strong>the</strong> story <strong>of</strong> a young shepherd boy, whose adventures<br />

teach us a touch<strong>in</strong>g lesson <strong>of</strong> k<strong>in</strong>dness, giv<strong>in</strong>g, and faith.<br />

Cast:<br />

Dur: 60’<br />

Instr:<br />

2 Soprano (young boy & angel), Mezzo-Soprano (young adult), Tenor, 2 Baritone,<br />

Bass-Baritone, 2 silent roles (children), 1 speak<strong>in</strong>g role (Angel Gabriel),<br />

<strong>of</strong>f-stage Chorus SSAA (angels)<br />

Large Orchestra:1(Picc.) 2(E.H.) 2 1 - 2 1 0 0; Timp. Perc. Cel. Hp. Str.<br />

Reduced Orchestra: Pno. Cel. Org. Hp. Timp. Perc.<br />

Caltabiano, Ronald (b. 1959)<br />

Marry<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Hangman<br />

Chamber Opera for Mezzo-Soprano and 7 Players<br />

Text by Margaret Atwood<br />

Publisher: Merion Music Inc.<br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Monodrama<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

In eighteenth-century Québec, <strong>the</strong> only way for someone under sentence <strong>of</strong> death to escape hang<strong>in</strong>g was,<br />

for a man, to become a hangman, or, for a woman, to marry one. In 1738, Françoise Laurent, sentenced<br />

to hang for steal<strong>in</strong>g, persuaded Jean Corolère, <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> next cell, to apply for <strong>the</strong> vacant post <strong>of</strong> executioner,<br />

and also to marry her…<br />

Cast: Mezzo-Soprano<br />

Dur: 45’<br />

Instr: Fl.(Picc./Alto Fl.) Cl.(B.Cl.) Perc. Pno. Vln. Vcl.<br />

Cunn<strong>in</strong>gham, Arthur (1928-1997)<br />

Ostrich Fea<strong>the</strong>rs<br />

A Musical Play <strong>in</strong> Two Acts for Children and <strong>the</strong>ir Parents<br />

Libretto by Barbara Brenner<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Children’s Opera<br />

A hunter shoots a teenage ostrich and takes her tail fea<strong>the</strong>rs as a trophy. Legend has it that <strong>the</strong> fea<strong>the</strong>rs<br />

must be returned or she will die. The ostrich’s friends rally to her aid, capture <strong>the</strong> hunter, and retrieve <strong>the</strong><br />

fea<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />

Cast: 10 solo characters (<strong>in</strong>cl. 5 female), chorus <strong>of</strong> animals<br />

Dur: 80’<br />

Instr: Flexible <strong>in</strong>strumentation, but percussion is essential.<br />

Suggested combo: Piano, Drums, Vibes, Electric Bass, Guitar,<br />

Str<strong>in</strong>gs (1 each, or small complements for all but contrabass - 1 only)<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

De Cormier, Robert<br />

The Jolly Beggars<br />

Dramatic Cantata<br />

Poetry by Robert Burns<br />

Publisher: E. Henry David Music Publishers<br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Burns’ cantata str<strong>in</strong>gs toge<strong>the</strong>r texts <strong>in</strong> Scots and <strong>English</strong>. In <strong>the</strong> folk-song tradition, <strong>the</strong> songs deal with<br />

<strong>the</strong> joys and griefs <strong>of</strong> love and war.<br />

Cast: SATB Chorus, SATB Solo Quartet, SATB solos<br />

Dur: 37’<br />

Instr: Fl.(Picc.) Ob.(E.H.) Cl. Bsn. Perc. Vln. Vla. Vcl.<br />

Dorff, Daniel (b. 1956)<br />

Stone Soup<br />

Operatic fable <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by Frank McQuilk<strong>in</strong><br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Children’s Opera<br />

The traditional tale, teach<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> benefits <strong>of</strong> shar<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>the</strong> perils <strong>of</strong> deception, designed as a highly<br />

portable production, with simple costumes, easy props, and no special sets required.<br />

Cast: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass, 3 x SATB (or for chamber productions, <strong>the</strong>se roles<br />

can be taken by <strong>the</strong> 4 pr<strong>in</strong>cipals), 4 non-s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g roles (2 boys, 2 girls)<br />

Dur: 35’<br />

Instr: Piano accompaniment, or 1 1 1 1 – 0 1 1 0; 2Perc. Pno. Hp. Str.<br />

Downard, Robert (b. 1946)<br />

Mart<strong>in</strong> Avdeich: A Christmas Tale<br />

An opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Based on a story by Tolstoy, this opera chronicles a special Christmas <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> life <strong>of</strong> an embittered<br />

shoemaker who, through a series <strong>of</strong> seem<strong>in</strong>gly ord<strong>in</strong>ary visitations, learns <strong>the</strong> true mean<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> holiday<br />

and rediscovers his own sense <strong>of</strong> compassion.<br />

Cast: Boy Alto, Coloratura Soprano, Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Bass;<br />

Chorus <strong>of</strong> Pilgrims (4-part men) and Tavern-Comrades (SATB)<br />

Dur: 60’<br />

Instr: 1 1(E.H.) 0 0 – 1 0 0 0; Timp. Perc. Pno. Str.<br />

Drew, James (b. 1929)<br />

Mysterium<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Cast: Soprano, Baritone or Tenor, Chorus <strong>of</strong> 8 low male voices<br />

Dur: 60’<br />

Instr: 1 2 1 0 - 0 2 2 1; 4Perc. Pno. Cel. 1Vcl. 1Cb.<br />

Chamber Opera<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Eak<strong>in</strong>, Charles<br />

The Box<br />

Comic Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Cast: 2 Soprano, Contralto, Tenor, Bass<br />

Dur: 30’<br />

Instr: 1 0 1 1 - 0 1 1 0; Perc. Pno. Vln. Cb.<br />

F<strong>in</strong>nissy, Michael (b. 1946)<br />

Vaudeville<br />

Publisher: United Music Publishers<br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Cast: 2 Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone, 2 Mimes<br />

Dur: 38’<br />

Instr: Cl. Bsn. Flugelhorn Tbn.; Perc. Vl. Cbs.<br />

Sale: Vocal Score 576-00151<br />

Fitelberg, Jerzy (1903-1951)<br />

Henny Penny<br />

Children’s opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Publisher: E.B. Marks Music Co.<br />

Children’s Opera<br />

Cast: Smallest child (boy or girl), 2 girls, 2 boys, 1 older boy,1 speak<strong>in</strong>g role (Narrator)<br />

Dur: 30’<br />

Instr: 1 Pno. Perc. or 2 Pno. Perc.<br />

Fuchs, Kenneth (b. 1956)<br />

A Betrothal<br />

A chamber musical<br />

Libretto by Lanford Wilson<br />

Publisher: Piedmont Music<br />

Chamber opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Two horticulturalists, Ms. J.H. Joslyn (middle-aged, attractive) and Mr. Kermit Wasserman (also middleaged,<br />

neat, almost delicate), meet by chance at a flower show. Through <strong>the</strong> course <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir charm<strong>in</strong>g<br />

encounter <strong>the</strong>y discover that <strong>the</strong>ir prize irises may be <strong>the</strong> perfect mates for each o<strong>the</strong>r. Two very different<br />

people move from an uneasy chance meet<strong>in</strong>g to an easy alliance.<br />

Cast: Mezzo-soprano, Baritone<br />

Dur: 60’<br />

Instr: Fl. Cl. Pno./Synth. Vln. Vcl.<br />

or<br />

Pno.red.<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

The Great Nebula <strong>in</strong> Orion<br />

A chamber musical<br />

Libretto by Lanford Wilson<br />

Publisher: Piedmont Music<br />

Chamber opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Louise and Carrie, friends s<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong>ir student days at Bryn Mawr, meet by chance after not hav<strong>in</strong>g seen<br />

or spoken with one ano<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong> nearly seven years. They spend <strong>the</strong> afternoon at Louise’s apartment<br />

rem<strong>in</strong>isc<strong>in</strong>g about <strong>the</strong> past and tell<strong>in</strong>g clever stories <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir contented and, f<strong>in</strong>ally and truthfully, <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

discontented lives.<br />

Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-soprano<br />

Dur: 70’<br />

Instr: Fl. Cl. Pno./Synth. Vln. Vcl.<br />

or<br />

Pno.red.<br />

Fuchs, Peter Paul (1916-2007)<br />

Serenade at Noon<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by Ann Vermel<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Cast:<br />

Dur:<br />

Instr:<br />

4 Soprano (2 Lyric), 2 Mezzo-Soprano, 2 Tenor, 3 Baritone, 2 Speak<strong>in</strong>g roles<br />

Str.<br />

Getty, Gordon (b. 1933)<br />

Plump Jack<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer, adapted from Shakespeare’s “Henry IV” and “Henry V”<br />

Publisher: Rork Music<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Dubbed “Plump Jack” by Queen Elizabeth I, Falstaff <strong>in</strong>spires tales <strong>of</strong> irreverent fun.<br />

Goldste<strong>in</strong>, Lee<br />

The Fan<br />

Cast: Contralto, Boy Alto, Tenor or Baritone, 5 Baritone or Bass, Bass<br />

Dur: 60’<br />

Instr: 2Picc. 1 3(E.H.) 4(2Bf 2Ef) 3(Cbsn.) - 4 3 3 2; Timp. 2Perc. Str.<br />

Comic opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />

Libretto by Charles Kondek, based on Carlo Goldoni’s “Il Ventaglio”<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Opera without chorus<br />

When Evaristo tries to present a new fan to Giann<strong>in</strong>a (whom he admires), <strong>in</strong>trigue, misunderstand<strong>in</strong>g and<br />

all <strong>the</strong> elements <strong>of</strong> farce, whirl around <strong>the</strong> object.<br />

Cast: 2 Soprano, 2 Mezzo-Soprano, 3 Tenor, 2 Baritone, 2 Bass<br />

Dur: 120’<br />

Instr: 1(Picc.) 1(E.H.) 1 1 - 1 0 0 0; Perc. Pno. Str.<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Gordon, Ricky Ian (b. 1956)<br />

Green Sneakers<br />

For Baritone, Empty Chair, Str<strong>in</strong>g Quartet ,and Piano<br />

Libretto by Ricky Ian Gordon<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Monodrama<br />

A dramatic cycle <strong>of</strong> songs document<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> composer’s emotional journey through a day that he faced as<br />

his partner was dy<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> AIDS.<br />

Cast: Baritone<br />

Dur: 60’<br />

Instr: Str<strong>in</strong>g Quartet (Piano used as prop only, not played)<br />

Str<strong>in</strong>g parts on rental<br />

Vocal score published: 411-41120<br />

Study score published: 411-41121<br />

Rappahannock County<br />

A Theatrical Song Cycle about <strong>the</strong> Civil War<br />

Libretto by Mark Campbell<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

A <strong>the</strong>atrical song cycle that captures key emotional, sociological and historical moments <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Civil War.<br />

Much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> text was <strong>in</strong>spired by actual events and drawn from diaries, letters, and o<strong>the</strong>r accounts. The<br />

narrative, as it is, follows <strong>the</strong> l<strong>in</strong>es <strong>of</strong> history, from Secession <strong>in</strong> 1861 to defeat <strong>in</strong> 1865, and is <strong>in</strong> five parts.<br />

Although <strong>the</strong> story is centered geographically <strong>in</strong> Virg<strong>in</strong>ia, its <strong>the</strong>mes are universal to <strong>the</strong> Civil War.<br />

Cast: Soprano (African-American), Mezzo-soprano (Caucasian), Tenor (Caucasian),<br />

2 Baritone (1 African-American, 1 Caucasian)<br />

Dur: 80’<br />

Instr: 1(d.Picc.) 1(d.E.H.) 2(d.B.Cl.) 1 – 1 1(d.Flglhn.) 1 0; Timp. Perc. Pno.(d.Cel.) Str.<br />

Gorney, Jay (1896-1990)<br />

Geografo<strong>of</strong><br />

A musical parable <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by James Austen<br />

Publisher: Piedmont<br />

Children’s Opera<br />

Cast: 11 medium voices<br />

Dur: 30’<br />

Instr: 1 1 2 1 - 1 1 1 0; Perc. Str. Stage Band (8 parts)<br />

Gustafson, Dwight (b. 1930)<br />

Simeon<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> three scenes<br />

Libretto by David Burke, after <strong>the</strong> story <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bible (Luke 2: 25-32)<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

God has promised Simeon that he will not die before he sees <strong>the</strong> Messiah; Simeon wonders how much<br />

longer he must wait. But what is this story <strong>of</strong> angels he hears from Bethlehem shepherds? What heavenly<br />

sign could compel Eastern Magi to send an emissary to Jerusalem? And who is this Child a poor couple<br />

br<strong>in</strong>gs to dedicate at <strong>the</strong> Temple?<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Cast: Boy Soprano, Soprano, Mezzo-soprano, 2 Tenor, 2 Baritone, Bass,<br />

2 Spoken roles (male); Chorus<br />

Dur: 61’<br />

Instr: 2(Picc.) 2(E.H.) 2 2 – 4 3 3 1; Timp. Perc. Hp. Syn<strong>the</strong>sizer Str.; 2 or 3 <strong>of</strong>f-stage Trombones<br />

Hagemann, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia<br />

The Bird’s Christmas Carol<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />

Libretto by Eleanor Jones on a story by Kate Douglas Wigg<strong>in</strong>s<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Sick and bedridden, young Carol Bird realizes that <strong>the</strong>re is as much joy <strong>in</strong> giv<strong>in</strong>g as receiv<strong>in</strong>g, and as her<br />

own Christmas Day birthday approaches, she enlists <strong>the</strong> help <strong>of</strong> her family to spread Christmas cheer by<br />

organiz<strong>in</strong>g a big party for a poor family who live nearby.<br />

Children’s Opera<br />

Cast: 4 adults (2 female, 2 male), 2 adults or teenagers (1 female, 1 male)<br />

11 children up to teenagers (5 girls, 6 boys), 1 small girl, 1 boy “youngest child”<br />

Dur: 60’<br />

Instr: Piano<br />

A Christmas Carol<br />

Operetta <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />

Lyrics by Virg<strong>in</strong>ia Hagemann, dialogue by Eleanor Jones, on a story by Charles Dickens<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

A simplified operetta <strong>of</strong> Dickens’ beloved story, for young audiences, and <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g young performers.<br />

Children’s Opera<br />

The Pied Piper<br />

Cast: 17 characters (some performers can double) and chorus.<br />

Uses at least 1 boy soprano, at least 1 small girl & 1 small boy,<br />

at least 1 teenage girl & 1 teenage boy<br />

Dur: 60’<br />

Instr: Piano<br />

Sale: Vocal Score 412-41017<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Children’s Opera<br />

The traditional story, with a happy end<strong>in</strong>g as <strong>the</strong> children are reunited with <strong>the</strong>ir parents.<br />

Cast: 30 characters, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g 15 children.<br />

Rest <strong>of</strong> characters could be adults or older children play<strong>in</strong>g adults<br />

Dur: 60’<br />

Instr: Piano<br />

Sale: Vocal Score 411-41060<br />

Hailstork, Adolphus (b. 1941)<br />

Joshua’s Boots<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by Susan Kander<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

A young black boy overcomes prejudice to become a cowboy, and earns himself a pair <strong>of</strong> new boots.<br />

Children’s Opera<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Cast: 4 Soprano, Pop Mezzo, 2 Tenor, 2 Baritone, Chorus (Young Men, Boys, Girls)<br />

Dur: 60’<br />

Instr: Fl.(Picc.) Cl. Vln. Vcl. Perc. Pno. (Opt. on stage Vln., Pno.)<br />

Paul Laurence Dunbar: Common Ground<br />

An Operatic Theaterpiece<br />

Libretto by Herbert Woodward Mart<strong>in</strong><br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Dunbar (1873 – 1906), <strong>the</strong> first African-American poet to ga<strong>in</strong> national recognition, wrote <strong>in</strong> both<br />

standard <strong>English</strong> and <strong>the</strong> black dialect <strong>of</strong> his time. The work connects 12 <strong>of</strong> his poems with dialogue to<br />

illustrate his short life.<br />

Cast: Lyric Soprano, Dramatic Soprano, Tenor, Baritone<br />

Dur: 35’<br />

Instr: 1 1 1 1 - 1 1 1 0; Timp Perc. Str.<br />

Hamilton, Ia<strong>in</strong> (1922-2000)<br />

Agamemnon<br />

Dramatic narrative <strong>in</strong> one act (1987)<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer after Aeschylus, translated by Philip Vellacott<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, SATB Chorus<br />

Dur: 60’<br />

Instr: 4 Perc. Xylo. Mar. Glock. Timp. Hp. Pno. Cel.<br />

Anna Karen<strong>in</strong>a<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer after <strong>the</strong> novel by Leo Tolstoy<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Cast: Boy Soprano, 4 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Contralto, 2 Tenor, 3 Baritone, 2 Bass;<br />

Four Guests (SATB); Chorus, Travelers, Guests, etc. (SATB)<br />

Dur: 135’<br />

Instr: 3(Picc.) 3(E.H.) 3(B.Cl.) 3 - 4 3 3 1; Timp. 3Perc. Hp. Str.<br />

The Catil<strong>in</strong>e Conspiracy<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer after Ben Jonson<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Greed and <strong>in</strong>trigue abound <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> turbulent f<strong>in</strong>al decades <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Roman Republic. Catil<strong>in</strong>e, a noble from<br />

an old but recently unsuccessful family, raises a conspiracy to overthrow <strong>the</strong> aristocratic senate and take<br />

Rome by force. Although little can be proven, <strong>the</strong> man who will eventually become Caesar is also heavily<br />

implicated…<br />

Cast:<br />

Dur:<br />

Instr:<br />

2 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Contralto, 3 Tenor, 4 Baritone, 3 Bass; SATB chorus<br />

full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />

2 2 2 2 - 3 2 7 0; 2Perc. Hp. Str.<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Cleopatra<br />

Dramatic scene for soprano and orchestra<br />

Text by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Monodrama<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

“…<strong>in</strong>tensely dramatic…Exotically scored with sensuous writ<strong>in</strong>g for <strong>the</strong> soloist, this work…is rem<strong>in</strong>iscent <strong>of</strong><br />

Strauss’s operas Elektra and Salomé <strong>in</strong> its late-Romantic opulence.” [www.musicweb-<strong>in</strong>ternational.com]<br />

Lancelot<br />

Cast: Soprano<br />

Dur: 21’<br />

Instr: 2 2 2 2 – 4 2 3(B.Tbn.) 0 ; Timp. Perc. Hp. Str.<br />

An opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Opera without chorus<br />

The earthly and spiritual struggles <strong>of</strong> Lancelot, as depicted <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> famous legend <strong>of</strong> K<strong>in</strong>g Arthur.<br />

Cast: 2 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, 2 Tenor, 2 Baritone, Bass-Baritone<br />

Dur: 120’<br />

Instr: 2(dbl. Picc.) 1(dbl.E.H.) 1(dbl.B.Cl.) 1 - 2 2 0 0; Perc. Hp. Pno. Str.<br />

London’s Fair or “The Cat <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Middle”<br />

A lyric comedy <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer from a previous text by Edmund Tracey<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

The story <strong>of</strong> Dick Whitt<strong>in</strong>gton. Country boy Dick arrives <strong>in</strong> London with his cat, makes his fortune thanks<br />

to <strong>the</strong> cat, woos Alice Fitzwarren, daughter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Lord Mayor <strong>of</strong> London, and eventually rises to become<br />

Lord Mayor himself.<br />

On <strong>the</strong> Eve<br />

Cast: 2 Soprano, 2 Mezzo-Soprano, Contralto, 4 Tenor, 3 Baritone, 2 Bass,<br />

1 Mimed role, SATB chorus<br />

Dur: 120’<br />

Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 4 3 3 1; Timp. 2Perc. Hp. Str.<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer, from <strong>the</strong> novel by Ivan Turgenev<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

The story <strong>of</strong> a group <strong>of</strong> upper class teenagers <strong>in</strong> Russia on <strong>the</strong> eve <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Crimean War. Elena, troubled<br />

by her fa<strong>the</strong>r’s <strong>in</strong>fidelities, has developed a distaste for any marriage proposed by her parents. Pavel, a<br />

friend who loves her, <strong>in</strong>troduces her to <strong>the</strong> revolutionary, Dimitry, who becomes a rival <strong>in</strong> love. Elena is<br />

attracted to Dimitry, who must choose between love and war.<br />

Cast: 1 Soprano, 1 Mezzo-soprano, 3 Tenor, 2 Baritone, 1 Bass<br />

Dur: 110’<br />

Instr: 2 2 2 2 – 4 2 2 1; Timp. Perc. Hp. Str.<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Pharsalia<br />

A dramatic commentary <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer after Lucan<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

It is 49 BC and Caesar’s popularity has brought him <strong>in</strong>to direct confrontation with <strong>the</strong> Senate, which fears<br />

his strength. He must decide whe<strong>the</strong>r to stand down as governor <strong>of</strong> Gaul, as <strong>the</strong> Senate orders, or follow<br />

his ambitions, cross <strong>the</strong> Rubicon and plunge <strong>the</strong> republic <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> depths <strong>of</strong> a bloody civil war. “The die is<br />

cast,” exclaims Caesar as he chooses <strong>the</strong> latter course. Lucan’s imagery <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> war and its aftermath has<br />

haunted readers throughout <strong>the</strong> ages.<br />

Cast: 2 Soprano, 1 Alto, 1 Tenor, 1 Baritone, 1 Bass, Narrator<br />

Dur: 25’<br />

Instr: 1 0 1 0 - 1 1 1 0; Perc. Pno. Hp. 1Vln. 1Vla. 1Vcl.<br />

Raleigh’s Dream<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> prologue and 8 scenes (1968)<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

1618: Sir Walter Raleigh is <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Tower <strong>of</strong> London, await<strong>in</strong>g execution. His life was not always so illfated…<br />

Once a favourite <strong>of</strong> Queen Elizabeth I, his dream was to extend her realm <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> New World <strong>in</strong><br />

peace, <strong>in</strong> a way vastly different from <strong>the</strong> warr<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>vasions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Spaniards; but this dream was not so<br />

easy to achieve and <strong>the</strong> rough path towards those ideals led to disillusionment and betrayal.<br />

Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-soprano, Tenor, 4 Baritone, Bass-baritone; STB Chorus<br />

Dur: 85’<br />

Instr: 1 1 1 1 – 1 1 1 0; Perc. Hp. Str.<br />

The Royal Hunt <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sun<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer based on <strong>the</strong> play by Peter Shaffer<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

The expedition <strong>of</strong> Pizzarro to Peru to conquer <strong>the</strong> Incas and seize <strong>the</strong>ir gold. Pizzarro and <strong>the</strong> Incan<br />

chief, Atahuallpa, argue <strong>the</strong>ir respective religions, and develop a peculiar mutual respect. Atahuallpa’s<br />

rejection <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bible is <strong>in</strong>terpreted as justification for whatever methods Pizzarro may use to ga<strong>in</strong> his ends.<br />

Atahuallpa is killed, but Pizzarro’s reaction is that <strong>of</strong> disillusionment ra<strong>the</strong>r than victory.<br />

Cast: 2 Tenor, 2 Baritone, Bass; many smaller rolls (all male voices), SATB Chorus<br />

Dur: 135’<br />

Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 4 3 3 1; Timp. 4Perc. Mar. Xylo. Org./Cel. Hp. Str.<br />

Tamburla<strong>in</strong>e<br />

Lyric Drama <strong>in</strong> one or two acts<br />

Text by <strong>the</strong> composer after Marlowe<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

A tale <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dark side <strong>of</strong> unbridled ambition: <strong>in</strong> a bid to achieve his ultimate goal <strong>of</strong> forc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> world to<br />

submit to his rule by force, Tamburla<strong>in</strong>e causes <strong>the</strong> death <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> only person he has ever loved. At <strong>the</strong><br />

po<strong>in</strong>t <strong>of</strong> his own death, his <strong>in</strong>satiable appetite for conquest rema<strong>in</strong>s haunt<strong>in</strong>gly unfulfilled.<br />

Cast:<br />

Dur:<br />

Instr:<br />

Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, 2 Tenor, Baritone, 2 Bass; SATB Chorus<br />

90’ (One act) or 120’ (Two acts)<br />

2 2 2 2 - 4 3 3 1; Timp. 4 Perc. Pno. Cel. Hp. Str.<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

The Tragedy <strong>of</strong> Macbeth<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer after William Shakespeare<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, 2 Tenor, Baritone, Bass<br />

Dur: 100’<br />

Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 2 2 2 1; Timp. Perc. Hp. Str.<br />

Handel, George Frederic (1685-1759)<br />

Julius Caesar<br />

Concert version <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> opera by Ernest Gerbert<br />

Publisher: Mercury Music Corp.<br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

In Egypt, Caesar falls for Cleopatra, whose own politics become irrevocably and tragically <strong>in</strong>volved with<br />

those <strong>of</strong> Rome.<br />

Cast:<br />

Dur:<br />

Instr:<br />

Five s<strong>in</strong>gers<br />

Full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />

2Fl. 2Ob. Pno. Str.<br />

Harnick, Sheldon (b. 1924)<br />

Frustration<br />

A m<strong>in</strong>i-opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

A comedy about Mélisande and her supposed Pelléas, who, be<strong>in</strong>g French but s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>English</strong>, express<br />

<strong>the</strong>mselves <strong>in</strong> a delightful Franglais.<br />

Cast: Soprano, Alto<br />

Dur: 7’<br />

Instr: Cl. Pno. Vln.<br />

Sale: Performance materials 441-41008<br />

Haydn, Franz Joseph (1735-1809)<br />

La Canter<strong>in</strong>a (The Songstress)<br />

Opera Buffa <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />

Edited by Karl Geir<strong>in</strong>ger; <strong>English</strong> translation by Carl Zytowski<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Gaspar<strong>in</strong>a is wooed by two men, but even when it is apparent that jewels and riches are even more<br />

attractive to her, both men are more than will<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>in</strong>dulge her <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> hopes <strong>of</strong> w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g her affections.<br />

Human folly revealed!<br />

Cast: 2 Soprano, Soprano or Tenor, Tenor<br />

Dur: Partial even<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Instr: 2Fl. 2Ob. 2E.H. 2Hn. Str.<br />

Sale: Vocal Score 411-410790<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Jason, Daniel<br />

Kris Kr<strong>in</strong>gle Rides Aga<strong>in</strong><br />

Libretto by James Austen<br />

Publisher: E.B. Marks Music Co.<br />

Children’s Opera<br />

Cast:<br />

Dur:<br />

Instr:<br />

7 males, 2 pre-teens (1 boy, 1 girl) 2 very small children (1 boy, 1 girl),<br />

3 solo parts (m or f), chorus <strong>of</strong> Christmas Shoppers, Postmen, Pupils, Seals<br />

Orchestra or band: 1 1 2 1 - 2 2 1 0; Perc. Str.<br />

or<br />

Fl. 3Cl. B.Cl. Alto Sax. Ten.Sax. Bar.Sax. Hn. 3Tpt. Tu. 2Perc.<br />

Kanitz, Ernst (1894-1978)<br />

Perpetual<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by Ellen Terry<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Cast: Soprano, Tenor, Bass-Baritone<br />

Dur: 17’<br />

Instr: Piano (1 or 2 players)<br />

Kim, Earl (1920-1998)<br />

Footfalls<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer, after <strong>the</strong> play by Samuel Beckett<br />

Publisher: Merion Music Inc.<br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

A psychological drama about May, <strong>in</strong> which her relationship with her mo<strong>the</strong>r plays a key role. Are May’s<br />

memories real or imag<strong>in</strong>ed? Is May sane or <strong>in</strong>sane? She paces back and forth…<strong>the</strong> “footfalls” <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> title.<br />

Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano<br />

Dur: 23’<br />

Instr: 2Pno. Hpscd.<br />

Kohs, Ellis B. (1916-2000)<br />

Amerika<br />

A tragicomedy <strong>in</strong> 3 acts and 11 scenes<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer after <strong>the</strong> novel by Franz Kafka<br />

Publisher: Merion Music Inc.<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

To avoid scandal, a young man is sent from his home <strong>in</strong> Prague to America, where he falls prey to<br />

seduction, misunderstand<strong>in</strong>g and rejection, but cont<strong>in</strong>ues to try and make his way.<br />

Cast: Coloratura Soprano, 2 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Contralto, 3 Tenor, 2 Baritone, 2 Bass;<br />

Male & Female Speakers<br />

Dur: 145’<br />

Instr: 2 2 2 2 3Sax. - 2 1 1 1; Perc. Str. Off-stage Brass Band<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Kupferman, Meyer (1926-2003)<br />

The Curious Fern<br />

Opera fantasy <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by Alastair Reid<br />

Publisher: Mercury Music Corp.<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

In a Garden<br />

Cast: 2 Soprano, 2 Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone<br />

Dur: 55’<br />

Instr: 1 1 2 1 - 1 1 1 0; Perc. Str.<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by Gertrude Ste<strong>in</strong><br />

Publisher: Mercury Music Corp.<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Little Lucy Willow dreams <strong>of</strong> be<strong>in</strong>g a Queen. Two young boys jo<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> fantasy and declare <strong>the</strong>mselves<br />

K<strong>in</strong>gs. But whose fantasy is <strong>the</strong> more real? And when <strong>the</strong> two K<strong>in</strong>gs duel it out and die, is it make-believe<br />

or real? Only Gertrude Ste<strong>in</strong> knows.<br />

Cast: Soprano, Tenor, Baritone<br />

Dur: 15’<br />

Instr: 1 1 1 1 - 1 1 1 0; Perc. Pno. Str.<br />

Voices for a Mirror<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by Alastair Reid<br />

Publisher: Mercury Music Corp.<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Cast: 2 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone<br />

Dur: 55’<br />

Instr: 1 1 1 1 - 1 1 1 0; Perc. Pno. Str.<br />

Laderman, Ezra (b. 1924)<br />

Galileo Galilei<br />

an Opera-Oratorio <strong>in</strong> Three Acts<br />

Libretto by Joe Darion<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

The opera beg<strong>in</strong>s and ends with Galileo <strong>in</strong> old age, now bl<strong>in</strong>d, and rejected, reflect<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong> struggles he<br />

has had aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong> voices <strong>of</strong> ignorance, prejudice and fear. The rest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> opera charts <strong>in</strong> flash-back his<br />

trials with <strong>the</strong> Church, both figurative and literal.<br />

Cast: Soprano, 3 Mezzo-soprano, 10 Tenor, at least 5 Baritone, Bass-Baritone,<br />

8 silent roles, Chorus<br />

Dur: 120’<br />

Instr: 2 2 2 2 – 2 2 2 1; Timp. 3Perc. Hp. Org. Str.<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Goodbye to <strong>the</strong> Clown<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by Ernest K<strong>in</strong>oy<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Opera without chorus<br />

N<strong>in</strong>e-year old Peggy has an imag<strong>in</strong>ary playmate, “Clown,” who is very real to her. She blames <strong>the</strong> Clown<br />

for her behavior, which is caus<strong>in</strong>g problems at school and with her Mo<strong>the</strong>r. The truth about <strong>the</strong> Clown<br />

(visible to <strong>the</strong> audience) is slowly revealed as Peggy realizes that her Fa<strong>the</strong>r is dead. The Clown, who has<br />

been a fa<strong>the</strong>r-substitute <strong>in</strong> her m<strong>in</strong>d, is no longer needed, and says good-bye.<br />

Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, 2 Baritone<br />

Dur: 45’<br />

Instr: 1 0 1 0 - 1 0 0 0; Perc. Pno. Str.<br />

Lee, Thomas Oboe (b 1945)<br />

The Inman Diaries<br />

Chamber opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />

Libretto by Jesse J. Mart<strong>in</strong> , based on <strong>the</strong> diaries <strong>of</strong> Arthur Crew Inman<br />

and <strong>the</strong> play “Visitations” by Lorenzo DeStefano<br />

Publisher: Merion Music Inc.<br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Arthur Crew Inman was a Boston recluse who, <strong>in</strong> order to ga<strong>in</strong> immortality, obsessively documented <strong>the</strong><br />

countless stories (<strong>in</strong> diaries that run to 155 volumes) related to him by people whom he would pay, <strong>in</strong><br />

order to hear about <strong>the</strong>ir lives <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>timate detail. He was especially <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> young women, and was<br />

known to have been sexually <strong>in</strong>volved with several <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m. He committed suicide <strong>in</strong> 1963.<br />

Cast: 3 Soprano, 2 Mezzo-soprano, 2 Tenor, 2 Baritone<br />

Dur: 100’<br />

Instr: Cl. Vln. Vla. Vcl. Cb. Hp. Perc.<br />

Lehar, Franz (1870-1948)<br />

The Merry Widow<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />

<strong>English</strong> lyrics and adaptation <strong>of</strong> libretto by Sheldon Harnick<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Cast:<br />

Dur:<br />

Instr:<br />

full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />

3 2 2 2 - 4 2 3 0; Timp. 2Perc. Hp. Str.<br />

On stage: 2Vln. Vla. Vcl. Cb. 2Tambourizza, B.Tambourizza<br />

Lehrman, Leonard (b. 1949)<br />

Tales <strong>of</strong> Malamud<br />

One-act operas to be performed toge<strong>the</strong>r as “Tales <strong>of</strong> Malamud” or separately<br />

(“Idiots First” by Marc Blitzste<strong>in</strong>, and “Karla” by Lehrman)<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Dur:<br />

full even<strong>in</strong>g when performed toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Karla<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by Leonard Lehrman, based on Notes From a Lady at a D<strong>in</strong>ner Party by Bernard Malamud<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> course <strong>of</strong> a d<strong>in</strong>ner party, an affair beg<strong>in</strong>s between Karla, <strong>the</strong> wife <strong>of</strong> a renowned architect, and<br />

her husband’s former student. Karla passes him notes throughout d<strong>in</strong>ner, and a visit to <strong>the</strong> bedroom to<br />

see Karla’s babies results <strong>in</strong> a motel room assignation, but …<br />

Cast:<br />

Dur:<br />

Instr:<br />

Sacco and Vanzetti<br />

Bass-Baritone, Tenor, Mezzo-Soprano, Lyric Soprano, High Contralto or<br />

“gutsy” Mezzo-Soprano, Lyric Baritone, Speak<strong>in</strong>g part<br />

Partial even<strong>in</strong>g<br />

2(Picc.) 2(E.H.) 2(B.Cl.) 2 - 2 2 2 1; Timp. Perc. Syn. Pno. 2Vln. Vla. Vcl. Cb.<br />

An opera <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />

Words and music begun by Marc Blitzste<strong>in</strong>, completed by Leonard Lehrman<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

An exam<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> notorious trial <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1920s.<br />

Cast:<br />

Dur:<br />

Instr:<br />

Suppose a Wedd<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Large Cast; or cast <strong>of</strong> 10 with doubl<strong>in</strong>gs: 2 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano,<br />

3 Tenor, 3 Baritone, Bass<br />

Full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Piano; (orchestration pend<strong>in</strong>g)<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

one act opera<br />

(to be performed <strong>in</strong>dependently, or as an <strong>in</strong>termezzo between “Idiots First” and “Karla”)<br />

Libretto by Leonard Lehrman, based on <strong>the</strong> Scene <strong>of</strong> a Play by Bernard Malamud<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Adele is engaged to salesman Leon, but her fa<strong>the</strong>r suspects she does not know her own heart, and<br />

<strong>in</strong>troduces her to Ben, a budd<strong>in</strong>g writer; Mo<strong>the</strong>r favors <strong>the</strong> suit <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fiancé. The parents quarrel, <strong>the</strong><br />

fiancés quarrel; enter <strong>the</strong> writer… Will Adele f<strong>in</strong>d happ<strong>in</strong>ess?<br />

Cast: Soprano, high Mezzo-Soprano, character Bari/Tenor, high Baritone, 1-l<strong>in</strong>e male role<br />

Dur: 53’<br />

Instr: pend<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Liebermann, Lowell (b. 1961)<br />

Miss Lonelyhearts<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />

Libretto by J.D. McClatchy, based on a story by Nathanael West<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Based on Nathanael West’s shock<strong>in</strong>g 1933 masterpiece, Miss Lonelyhearts tells <strong>the</strong> story <strong>of</strong> a troubled<br />

advice columnist <strong>in</strong> Depression-era New York, whose encounters with a morally destitute world drive<br />

feverishly toward a climactic conclusion, with masterful dark comedy along <strong>the</strong> way.<br />

Cast: Ma<strong>in</strong> Characters: 2 Soprano (lyric, coloratura), Mezzo-Soprano, 2 Tenor, Baritone;<br />

O<strong>the</strong>r sung and solo parts from chorus; Pre-recorded radio voice (light tenor)<br />

Dur: full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Instr: 2(d.Picc.) 2(d.E.H.) 2(d.B.Cl.) 2(d.Cbsn.) – 2 2 3 0; Timp. 5Perc. Hp. Kbd. Str.<br />

Sale: Vocal Score 411-41110<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

The Picture <strong>of</strong> Dorian Gray<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer, adapted from <strong>the</strong> novel by Oscar Wilde<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Oscar Wilde’s well-known story <strong>of</strong> eternal youth is brought to <strong>the</strong> stage, with external beauty only th<strong>in</strong>ly<br />

disguis<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> ugl<strong>in</strong>ess that can <strong>in</strong>habit men’s souls.<br />

Loder, Marion<br />

Cast: Pr<strong>in</strong>cipal Roles: Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Bass; two secondary roles and three m<strong>in</strong>or roles<br />

Dur: 135’<br />

Instr: 3 3 3 3 - 4 3 3 0; Timp. Perc. Hp. Str. On-stage Upright Piano, Off-stage Viol<strong>in</strong><br />

Reduced version: 2(Picc.) 2 2(B.Cl.) 2 - 2 2 1 0; Timp. Perc. Hp. Kbd, Str.<br />

Sale: Vocal Score 411-41101<br />

C<strong>in</strong>derella <strong>in</strong> Flowerland (or The Lost Lady’s Slipper)<br />

Operetta for children<br />

Libretto by Marion Loder<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

C<strong>in</strong>derella re-imag<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> a world <strong>of</strong> flower fairies.<br />

Cast: 17 <strong>in</strong>dividual parts, groups <strong>of</strong> butterflies/charioteers, 12 v. small children (3-5yrs.)<br />

Dur: 60’<br />

Instr: Piano<br />

Lombardi, Luca (b. 1945)<br />

Children’s Opera<br />

Prospero<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />

Libretto by Friedrich Christian Delius and Luca Lombardi, based on The Tempest by William Shakespeare.<br />

Libretto <strong>in</strong> four languages, accord<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> various characters: Ariel – <strong>English</strong>;<br />

Island <strong>in</strong>habitants (Miranda, Prospero, Caliban) – German; Sailors – Neapolitan; O<strong>the</strong>rs - Italian<br />

Publisher: RAI Trade<br />

Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” told <strong>in</strong> four languages. To achieve <strong>the</strong> mercurial qualities <strong>of</strong> Ariel, <strong>the</strong><br />

character is played by 4 female s<strong>in</strong>gers and an on-stage flute. In a similar way, Prospero is doubled by an<br />

on-stage cello.<br />

Cast: 3 Soprano, 2Mezzo-soprano, 2 Contralto, 2 Tenor, 2Baritone, 1 Bass; Chorus<br />

Dur: 150’<br />

Instr: On-stage Flute, Cello; 3 3 3 Sax. 3 – 4 4 4 1; 6Perc. Hp. Cel. Pno. Str.<br />

Mayer, William (b. 1925)<br />

Brief Candle<br />

Short opera <strong>in</strong> three acts for chorus and mime<br />

(No sets are required, only some necessary props)<br />

Libretto by Milton Feist<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Giv<strong>in</strong>g credence to ars longa, vita brevis: <strong>the</strong> hero<strong>in</strong>e is born, married, and dies, <strong>in</strong> 3 short acts and 6<br />

m<strong>in</strong>utes.<br />

Chamber Opera<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Cast: 4 Soloists drawn from Chorus (1 Female, 3 Male); Female Mime, Chorus<br />

Dur: 6 ¼’<br />

Instr: 2 1 2 1 - 2 2 1 0; Perc. Pno.(Harm.) Str.<br />

Sale: Vocal Score 412-41052 (Custom Pr<strong>in</strong>t)<br />

The Eve <strong>of</strong> St. Agnes<br />

Dramatic Fantasy<br />

Based on <strong>the</strong> poem by John Keats<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Accord<strong>in</strong>g to legend, if a young girl follows certa<strong>in</strong> rituals on <strong>the</strong> Eve <strong>of</strong> St. Agnes, she will dream <strong>of</strong> her<br />

future husband that night. In a medieval castle, Madel<strong>in</strong>e’s dream comes true as Porphyro enters her<br />

chamber and her dreams; upon her awaken<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>the</strong> lovers must flee before be<strong>in</strong>g discovered.<br />

Cast: 2 Soprano, Tenor, Baritone; Mixed Chorus<br />

Dur: 14’<br />

Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 2 2 2 0; Timp. 3Perc. Pno. Hp. Str.<br />

Sale: Vocal Score 416-41194 (Custom Pr<strong>in</strong>t)<br />

Moss, Lawrence (b. 1927)<br />

The Brute<br />

Comedy <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by Eric Bentley, after <strong>the</strong> play by Chekhov<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Comedy and drama ensue when a creditor comes to collect a debt left by a woman’s dead husband, with<br />

unexpected results.<br />

Cast: Soprano, Tenor, Bass<br />

Dur: 20’<br />

Instr: Fl. Cl. Bsn. Vib. Perc. Pno. Str.<br />

The Queen and <strong>the</strong> Rebels<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer, based on <strong>the</strong> play by Ugo Betti<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Cast: Dramatic Soprano, Soprano, Tenor, High Baritone, Baritone, Bass; Chorus, Ballet<br />

Dur: 60’<br />

Instr: Large Orch.: 3 3 3 3 - 4 3 3 1; Timp. Perc.(Vb. Xylo.) Pno. Hp. Str. (8 7 6 5 4)<br />

Reduced Orch.: 3 1 3 1 - 2 2 2 1; Timp. Perc. Pno. Hp. Str.<br />

Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus (1756-1791)<br />

The Impresario<br />

A comedy with music <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Based on <strong>the</strong> play by Gottlieb Stephanie <strong>the</strong> Younger (<strong>English</strong>)<br />

<strong>English</strong> text by Dory Prev<strong>in</strong><br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Opera without chorus<br />

The libretto is a 20th century re-make by Dory Prev<strong>in</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> orig<strong>in</strong>al story. Two sopranos engage <strong>in</strong> a diva<br />

duel <strong>of</strong> words about <strong>the</strong>ir art and who is <strong>the</strong> prima donna, <strong>the</strong>n a tenor jo<strong>in</strong>s <strong>the</strong> fray, while <strong>the</strong> worldweary<br />

impresario <strong>of</strong>fers his commentary, but dreams <strong>of</strong> escap<strong>in</strong>g it all.<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Cast: 2 Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Speak<strong>in</strong>g Role<br />

Dur: 40’<br />

Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 2 2 0 0; Timp. Str.<br />

Sale: Vocal Score 411-410330<br />

Paisiello, Giovanni (1740-1816)<br />

K<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>in</strong> Venice<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />

Libretto by G. Casti (Italian). <strong>English</strong> version by Arthur Schoep and Boris Goldovsky<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

A comedy loosely base on a scene from Voltaire’s Candide, which was recognized by contemporaries as a<br />

th<strong>in</strong>ly-disguised satire on <strong>the</strong> exploits <strong>of</strong> K<strong>in</strong>g Gustavus III <strong>of</strong> Sweden dur<strong>in</strong>g a visit to Italy.<br />

Cast:<br />

Dur:<br />

Instr:<br />

2 Soprano, 2 Tenor, 2 Baritone, 2 Bass; Chorus<br />

2 2 2 2 - 2 2 0 0; Str.<br />

Pasatieri, Thomas (b. 1945)<br />

Before Breakfast<br />

Monodrama for Soprano or Mezzo-soprano<br />

Libretto by Frank Corsaro, after <strong>the</strong> play by Eugene O’Neill<br />

with Chamber Ensemble (13 Players), Small Orchestra, or Piano<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Monodrama<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

A lonely alcoholic addresses her <strong>of</strong>f-stage husband while she prepares breakfast, and <strong>in</strong> so do<strong>in</strong>g we learn<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dreams she envisioned for her life and <strong>the</strong> disappo<strong>in</strong>tments that ultimately filled it.<br />

Black Widow<br />

Cast: Soprano or Mezzo-Soprano<br />

Dur: 45’<br />

Instr: 1 1 1(B.Cl.) 1 – 1 1 1 0; Pno.(Cel.) Hp. Str.(5tet or section)<br />

or<br />

Pno.<br />

Sale: Vocal Score 411-41111<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer, based on Dos Madres by Miguel de Unamuno<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Opera without chorus<br />

A beautiful young widow who cannot have children <strong>of</strong> her own hatches a diabolical plot that will f<strong>in</strong>ally<br />

provide her with <strong>the</strong> child she desires. Many lives turn to tragedy as her scheme sw<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong>to action.<br />

Calvary<br />

Cast: Soprano, 2 Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone<br />

Dur: 120’<br />

Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 2 2 2 1; Timp. Perc. Hp. Str.<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer after <strong>the</strong> play by William Butler Yeats<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

On his way to <strong>the</strong> cross, Jesus is rejected by those he came to save. Lazarus asks Jesus why he dragged<br />

him from <strong>the</strong> peace <strong>of</strong> death to search for mean<strong>in</strong>g, and Judas compla<strong>in</strong>s he was predest<strong>in</strong>ed and<br />

compelled by God to be <strong>the</strong> betrayer and yet must be condemned for his act. Christ’s ultimate rejection<br />

and result<strong>in</strong>g lonel<strong>in</strong>ess make his crucifixion seem <strong>in</strong> va<strong>in</strong>.<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Cast: 2 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, 3 Baritone, 2 Bass<br />

Dur: 33’<br />

Instr: 1 1 1 1 - 1 0 0 0; Hp. Vln. Vla. Vcl.<br />

The Daughter <strong>of</strong> Capulet<br />

Monodrama for Voice and Piano<br />

Libretto by Thomas Pasatieri, from Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Monodrama<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

A drama constructed from Juliet’s well-known soliloquies from Shakespeare’s play, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> famous<br />

balcony scene.<br />

Cast: Voice<br />

Dur: 15’<br />

Instr: Piano<br />

Sale: Vocal Score 411-41124<br />

La Div<strong>in</strong>a (1965, rev. 2005)<br />

Comic Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Now with revised voices and <strong>in</strong>strumentation. A stellar, but ag<strong>in</strong>g, coloratura diva faces her farewell<br />

performance with fear for a future without fame and glamour. The relief felt by her maid and manager<br />

that <strong>the</strong> prima donna’s temperament and “star complex” will now be at an end is short lived when <strong>the</strong><br />

diva announces she will s<strong>in</strong>g yet ano<strong>the</strong>r “farewell” concert next week.<br />

Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-soprano, Baritone, Tenor or Soprano<br />

Dur: 30’<br />

Instr: 1 1 1 1 – 1 1 0 0; Pno. 2Vln. Vla. Vcl. Cb.<br />

Sale: Vocal Score 411-41025<br />

The Family Room<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by Daphne Malfitano<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Two women speak <strong>of</strong> blue skies and thunderstorms, but live <strong>in</strong> a w<strong>in</strong>dowless room. They speak <strong>of</strong> a child<br />

and <strong>the</strong> men <strong>the</strong>y love, but <strong>the</strong>ir only company is <strong>the</strong> sounds from upstairs. This is The Family Room. The<br />

seem<strong>in</strong>gly normal life that <strong>the</strong> women talk about is revealed to be at odds with a brutal reality.<br />

Frau Margot<br />

Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-soprano, Actor<br />

Dur: 85’<br />

Instr: 1 1 1 1 – 1 1 1 0; Pno. Hp. Str.5tet(or section)<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />

Libretto by Frank Corsaro, based on his orig<strong>in</strong>al play Lyric Suite<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Opera without chorus<br />

The great composer Erich Künstler leaves an unf<strong>in</strong>ished opera beh<strong>in</strong>d at his death. The world is eager to<br />

see <strong>the</strong> score, but his widow, Frau Margot, guards <strong>the</strong> manuscript jealously.<br />

(Inspired by an event related to Mr. Corsaro by Leonard Bernste<strong>in</strong>, who had approached Berg’s widow<br />

about complet<strong>in</strong>g Lulu. Mrs. Berg later <strong>in</strong>formed Bernste<strong>in</strong> that she had “asked” her husband, but he said<br />

he did not want Bernste<strong>in</strong> to complete <strong>the</strong> opera. Bernste<strong>in</strong> concluded that Mrs. Berg had relied on a<br />

séance to “contact” her husband).<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-soprano, 3 Tenor, Baritone, 3 Bass-Baritone<br />

Dur: 120’<br />

Instr: 2 1 2 1 – 2 2 2 0; Perc. Pno. Hp. Str.<br />

Sale: Vocal Score 411-41117<br />

God Bless Us, Everyone<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />

Libretto by Michael Capasso and Bill Van Horn after <strong>the</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> Charles Dickens<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Scrooge has died, but returns to earth as a happy ghost. How does he settle <strong>in</strong>to a reformed after-life<br />

follow<strong>in</strong>g his about-face at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> ‘A Christmas Carol’? What happens to T<strong>in</strong>y Tim? Pasatieri’s new<br />

opera picks up where Dickens left <strong>of</strong>f.<br />

Cast: 2 Soprano, Mezzo-soprano, Tenor, Baritone, 2 Bass-baritone, Chorus<br />

(several small roles that can be cast from with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> chorus)<br />

Dur: 78’<br />

Instr: 1 1 1 1 – 1 1 1 0; Pno. Hp. Str.5tet(or section)<br />

Vocal score for sale: (<strong>in</strong> prep.)<br />

The Hotel Casablanca<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer, <strong>in</strong>spired by A Flea <strong>in</strong> Her Ear by Georges Feydeau<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Set to an orig<strong>in</strong>al libretto by Mr. Pasatieri, <strong>the</strong> comedy, set <strong>in</strong> 1948, tells <strong>the</strong> story <strong>of</strong> a wealthy Texas<br />

couple who want to “toughen up” <strong>the</strong>ir 25-year-old nephew from New York. The action takes place at <strong>the</strong><br />

Double-T Ranch and a seedy hotel, where assorted eccentric guests add to <strong>the</strong> mayhem <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> stay.<br />

Cast: 2 Soprano, 2 Mezzo-soprano, Tenor, 2 Baritone, 2 Bass-Baritone<br />

Dur: 100’<br />

Instr: 1 1 1 1 – 1 1 1 0; Perc. Pno. Hp. Str.7tet<br />

Sale: Vocal Score 411-41114<br />

Inés de Castro<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />

Libretto by Bernard Stambler<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

In 14th-century Portugal, <strong>the</strong> love between Inés and Pedro (later K<strong>in</strong>g Pedro I) is <strong>in</strong> conflict with <strong>the</strong><br />

political alliances forced on Pedro as crown pr<strong>in</strong>ce. The union between <strong>the</strong> two ultimately results <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

murder <strong>of</strong> Inés. In his grief, Pedro is consumed by revenge.<br />

Lady Macbeth<br />

Cast: 2 Boy Soprano, 2 Soprano, 2 Mezzo-Soprano, 2 Tenor, Baritone, 4 Bass, Silent role;<br />

Mixed Chorus, Boys’ Chorus<br />

Dur: 120’<br />

Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 4 2 2 1; Timp. Perc. Hp. Str.<br />

Monodrama for Soprano<br />

Libretto by Thomas Pasatieri, from Macbeth by William Shakespeare<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

From Lady Macbeth’s speeches, woven <strong>in</strong>to a dramatic monologue.<br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Monodrama<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Cast: Soprano<br />

Dur: 15’<br />

Instr: Piano<br />

Sale: Vocal Score 411-41111<br />

Maria Elena<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Based on <strong>the</strong> true story <strong>of</strong> Maria Elena, a beautiful Mexican woman who falls <strong>in</strong> love with Gonzalo, a<br />

handsome crim<strong>in</strong>al. Toge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>y rob men who fall <strong>in</strong> love with her. The police trap her and she is sent<br />

to prison, where she goes mad. The opera is a flashback <strong>in</strong> which <strong>the</strong> men who have been <strong>in</strong> love with<br />

her appear to her and she remembers her life.<br />

Padrevia<br />

Cast: 3 Soprano, 4 Mezzo-Soprano, 2 Tenor, Baritone, Bass-Baritone; small chorus<br />

Dur: 90’<br />

Instr: 2 1 2 1 - 2 2 2 0; Timp. Perc. Hp. Str.<br />

Lyric tragedy <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer based on a Boccaccio tale<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

In Padrevia, K<strong>in</strong>g Tancred immures his beautiful daughter, Gismonda, <strong>in</strong> a castle, ostensibly to protect her<br />

from <strong>the</strong> world. By chance, she meets Guiscardo, a young gardener at <strong>the</strong> castle. When Tancred discovers<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir secret love, Guiscardo is killed; Gismonda <strong>the</strong>n takes poison. Tancred reveals his passion for his<br />

daughter…<br />

Cast: Soprano, Tenor, Bass-Baritone, Narrator; 1 non-s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g role<br />

Dur: 52’<br />

Instr: 1 1 1 1 - 1 1 1 0; Timp. Perc. Pno. Hp. Str. (1 1 2 2 1)<br />

Vocal Score published: 411-41024<br />

The Penitentes<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />

Libretto by Anne Howard Bailey<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

A group <strong>of</strong> outsiders become enmeshed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> rituals <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Penitentes, a group <strong>of</strong> Mexican Americans who<br />

live <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> mounta<strong>in</strong>s <strong>of</strong> New Mexico and Colorado. Their <strong>in</strong>volvement ends <strong>in</strong> tragedy on Good Friday,<br />

traditionally a day when one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> community’s younger members reenacts <strong>the</strong> crucifixion <strong>of</strong> Christ.<br />

Cast: Large Cast, Mixed Chorus<br />

Dur: 100’<br />

Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 4 2 2 0; Timp. Perc. Pno. Hp. Str.<br />

The Seagull (1972, rev. 2004)<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />

Libretto by Kenward Elmslie after Chekhov<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chekov’s dark treatment <strong>of</strong> unrequited love is brought to <strong>the</strong> opera stage. Now <strong>in</strong> large and reduced<br />

orchestra versions, with or without chorus.<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

(<strong>in</strong> reduced version)<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Signor Deluso<br />

Cast: 2 Soprano, 2 Mezzo-Soprano (or 1 Lyric Sop., 1 Mzo.-sop.), 2 Tenor, 2 Baritone,<br />

1 Bass (or Bass-Baritone), Off-Stage Chorus (or SATB soli)<br />

Dur: 120’<br />

Instr: Large Orchestration: 2 2 2 2 - 4 2 2 1; Timp. 2Perc. Hp. Str. (m<strong>in</strong>. 8.7.6.5.2)<br />

Reduced Orchestration: 2 2 2 1 - 2 1 1 0; 1Perc. Hp. Str. (m<strong>in</strong>. 3.3.3.3.1)<br />

Sale: Vocal Score 411-41107<br />

Opera Buffa <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer, based on Molière’s “Sganarelle”<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

A comedy <strong>of</strong> layer upon layer <strong>of</strong> misunderstand<strong>in</strong>g … not for noth<strong>in</strong>g does <strong>the</strong> title character make us<br />

th<strong>in</strong>k <strong>of</strong> “delusion”! Just when everyth<strong>in</strong>g appears to be hopelessly embroiled, <strong>the</strong> maid enters <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> nick<br />

<strong>of</strong> time and clears up <strong>the</strong> whole mess.<br />

Three Sisters<br />

Cast: 2 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, 1 or 2 Bass-Baritone<br />

Dur: 30’<br />

Instr: 1 1 1 0 - 1 0 0 0; Pno. Vln. Vla. Vcl.<br />

Sale: Vocal Score 411-41092<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />

Libretto by Kenward Elmslie based on Anton Chekhov’s play (1901)<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Opportunity knocks for Olga, Masha, and Ir<strong>in</strong>a, who dream <strong>of</strong> break<strong>in</strong>g from <strong>the</strong>ir hum-drum existence <strong>in</strong><br />

a small prov<strong>in</strong>cial Russian garrison town, but not for long. With <strong>the</strong>ir aspirations vanquished, and despite<br />

<strong>the</strong> depress<strong>in</strong>g return <strong>of</strong> life to just how it was before, <strong>the</strong> sisters still cl<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong>ir hopes for a better<br />

future.<br />

Cast:<br />

Dur:<br />

Instr:<br />

The Trial <strong>of</strong> Mary L<strong>in</strong>coln<br />

3 Soprano, 2 Mezzo-Soprano, 4 Tenor, 2 Baritone, 2 Bass<br />

Partial even<strong>in</strong>g<br />

2 2 2(B.Cl.) 2(Cbsn.) – 4 0 2 0; 3Perc. Str.<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by Anne Howard Bailey<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Opera without chorus<br />

A decade after her husband’s assass<strong>in</strong>ation, a Chicago court declared Mary L<strong>in</strong>coln <strong>in</strong>sane and committed<br />

her to a mental <strong>in</strong>stitution. Robert Todd L<strong>in</strong>coln, Mary’s only surviv<strong>in</strong>g child, arranged <strong>the</strong> trial after<br />

agoniz<strong>in</strong>g over his distressed mo<strong>the</strong>r’s erratic behavior. Mary has flash-backs from <strong>the</strong> dock, which take<br />

us through <strong>the</strong> tragic story <strong>of</strong> her unique life.<br />

Cast: 1 Lyric Soprano, 2 Mezzo-Soprano, 1 Contralto, 6 Baritone,<br />

8 Solo Voices (4 Female, 4 Male)<br />

Dur: 60’<br />

Instr: 3 2 2(B.Cl.) 2(Cbsn.) - 2 1 1 0; Timp. Perc. Pno. Hp. Str.<br />

Wash<strong>in</strong>gton Square<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> three acts and an epilogue<br />

Libretto by Kenward Elmslie, after <strong>the</strong> Henry James novel<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

The trysts and tribulations <strong>of</strong> first love take unexpected turns <strong>in</strong> this adaptation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> classic Henry James<br />

story.<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

The Women<br />

Cast: 3 Soprano, 2 Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Bass-Baritone<br />

Dur: 110’<br />

Instr: 1(Picc.) 1(E.H.) 1(B.Cl.) 1(Cbsn.) - 1 1 1 0; Timp. Perc. Pno.(Cel.) Hp. Str.<br />

Chamber opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

The eternal nature <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> conflict between a man, his wife and his mo<strong>the</strong>r is put <strong>in</strong>to sharp relief by this<br />

surreal opera, which places all three characters <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> after-life.<br />

Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Bass<br />

Dur: 13’<br />

Instr: 1 1 1 1 - 1 1 0 0; Timp. Perc. Pno. Hp. Str<strong>in</strong>g Quartet<br />

Vocal Score published: 411-41026<br />

Persichetti, V<strong>in</strong>cent (1915-1987)<br />

The Sibyl<br />

A Parable <strong>of</strong> Chicken Little<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />

Publisher: Elkan-Vogel Inc.<br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

“A serious exploration <strong>of</strong> how people face—or avoid—serious issues… The score must stand as one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

composer’s brightest and most colorful <strong>in</strong>strumental <strong>of</strong>fer<strong>in</strong>gs… it <strong>in</strong>cludes at least one f<strong>in</strong>ely sculpted aria,<br />

but also choral music that speaks clearly and brilliantly.” [Daniel Webster, Philadelphia Inquirer]<br />

Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass; SATB Chorus (16 or more s<strong>in</strong>gers)<br />

Dur: 75’<br />

Instr: 2(Picc.) 1 2(B.Cl.) 1 - 2 2 2 1; Timp. Perc. Pno. Str.<br />

Ran, Shulamit (b. 1948)<br />

Between Two Worlds (“The Dybbuk”)<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />

Libretto by Charles Kondek, after <strong>the</strong> drama ‘The Dybbuk’ by S. Ansky<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Leya, about to enter an arranged marriage, is actually <strong>in</strong> love with Khonnon, and after he dies, she<br />

becomes possessed <strong>of</strong> his soul. This possession comes to a climax dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> arranged marriage<br />

ceremony. The result<strong>in</strong>g exorcism <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> “dybbuk” leaves Leya rest<strong>in</strong>g before <strong>the</strong> marriage can cont<strong>in</strong>ue.<br />

Khonnon appears to <strong>the</strong> sleep<strong>in</strong>g Leya, and tells her that although he has now left her body, he is now<br />

forever part <strong>of</strong> her soul.<br />

Cast: Lead Roles: Lyric Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, High Baritone, Bass or Bass-Baritone<br />

Support<strong>in</strong>g Roles: 2 Sopranos, Mezzo-Soprano (pants role), 2 Tenors (1 doubl<strong>in</strong>g role),<br />

Baritone (doubl<strong>in</strong>g roles), Bass or Bass-Baritone;<br />

Chorus: at least 12 s<strong>in</strong>gers (some doubl<strong>in</strong>g)<br />

Dur: full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Instr: 2(2Picc./AltoFl.) 1(E.H.) 2(2EfCl./AltoCl.) 1(Cbsn.) - 1 2 2(B.Tbn.) 0;<br />

3Perc. Pno. Hp. Str. (4 2 2 1)<br />

3 Sh<strong>of</strong>ars (recorded sh<strong>of</strong>ar and sampled sh<strong>of</strong>ar sounds may be subsitituted)<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Ratner, Leonard (b. 1916)<br />

The Necklace<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act, four scenes<br />

Libretto by Leonard Ratner, based on a short story by Guy de Maupassant<br />

Publisher: Mercury Music Corp.<br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Mathilde is married to a clerk, with little money to spare for <strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>eries she dreams <strong>of</strong>. She borrows a<br />

glitter<strong>in</strong>g necklace for a glamourous social function, but manages to lose it on <strong>the</strong> way home. She and<br />

her husband replace <strong>the</strong> necklace at great cost without disclos<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> true story <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> loss, <strong>the</strong>n spend <strong>the</strong><br />

next 10 years <strong>in</strong> dire f<strong>in</strong>ancial straits as <strong>the</strong>y pay <strong>of</strong>f <strong>the</strong> debt. Later, a chance meet<strong>in</strong>g with <strong>the</strong> owner <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> necklace reveals that <strong>the</strong> orig<strong>in</strong>al was not genu<strong>in</strong>e diamonds, and worth only a fraction <strong>of</strong> what <strong>the</strong><br />

replacement had cost.<br />

Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone<br />

Dur: 25’<br />

Instr: Piano<br />

Richter, Ada (1900-1988)<br />

Merry Christmas, Mister Snowman!<br />

Operetta for children <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Book by Nancy K. Hosk<strong>in</strong>s<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Children’s Opera<br />

A Snowman comes to life and experiences his first Christmas, <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> company <strong>of</strong> several children, <strong>the</strong><br />

Sandman, and Santa and Mrs. Claus.<br />

Cast: 8 adults (4 female, 4 male), girls’ danc<strong>in</strong>g and s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g class (snowflake fairies),<br />

boys and girls (carol s<strong>in</strong>gers), small boys and girls (toys),<br />

small boys (Sandman’s Helpers)<br />

Dur: 75’<br />

Instr: Piano<br />

Sale: Vocal Score 412-41003<br />

Rochberg, George (1918-2005)<br />

The Confidence Man<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> 2 parts<br />

Libretto by Gene Rochberg, after Herman Melville<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

The story <strong>of</strong> Ch<strong>in</strong>a Aster, who borrows money and is unable to pay it back, with disastrous results.<br />

Cast:<br />

Dur:<br />

Instr:<br />

2 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, 8 Tenor, 5 Baritone, 8 Bass, 1 Speak<strong>in</strong>g part; Chorus<br />

full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />

1(Picc.) 2(E.H.) 3(B.Cl.) 3(Cbsn.) - 4 3 3 1; Timp. 4Perc. Hp. Cel. Str.<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Ross<strong>in</strong>i, Gioacch<strong>in</strong>o (1792-1868)<br />

The Turk <strong>in</strong> Italy<br />

Comic opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />

<strong>English</strong> translation by Boris Goldovsky and Sarah Caldwell<br />

Publisher: Mercury Music Corp.<br />

Cast:<br />

Dur:<br />

Instr:<br />

Roxburgh, Edw<strong>in</strong> (b. 1937)<br />

2 Soprano, Tenor, 2 Baritone, Bass; Chorus<br />

Full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />

2 2 2 2 - 2 2 1 0; Timp. Str.<br />

Abelard<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />

Libretto by Edw<strong>in</strong> and Julie Roxburgh<br />

Publisher: United Music Publishers<br />

In 12th-century France, Peter Abelard’s ideas were way ahead <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir time. Refus<strong>in</strong>g to give <strong>in</strong> to <strong>the</strong><br />

pressure <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> church, he was twice convicted <strong>of</strong> heresy. His position was made more difficult by his<br />

love for a novice nun, Heloise. The passionate letters she sent to him dur<strong>in</strong>g a decade <strong>of</strong> separation are<br />

amongst <strong>the</strong> most beautiful literature <strong>in</strong> history. She could not, however, protect Abelard from <strong>the</strong> cruelty<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> church that would eventually destroy him.<br />

Cast:<br />

Dur:<br />

Instr:<br />

Soprano, 6 Tenor, 2 Baritone, 2 Bass; Chorus, Actors<br />

(Act II: may be selected from members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> chorus)<br />

Full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Picc. 1(Picc.) 2(E.H.) 2(B.Cl.) 2(Cbsn.) – 4 2 3 1; 3Perc. Timp. Cel. Hp. Str.<br />

Roy, Klaus George (b. 1924)<br />

Sterl<strong>in</strong>gman, or Generosity Rewarded<br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Satiric opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer, adapted and translated from a short story by Arkady Averchenko<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Cast: Soprano, 2 Tenor, Baritone, Bass<br />

Dur: 45’<br />

Instr: 1 1 1 1 - 0 0 0 0; Pno.<br />

Salerni, Paul (b. 1941)<br />

The Life and Love <strong>of</strong> Joe Coogan<br />

Chamber Opera<br />

One-act opera <strong>in</strong> seven scenes<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Libretto by Kate Light, adapted from The Dick Van Dyke Show TV episode by Carl Re<strong>in</strong>er<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Cast doubl<strong>in</strong>g possibilities if presented <strong>in</strong> a s<strong>in</strong>gle even<strong>in</strong>g with Tony Caruso’s F<strong>in</strong>al Broadcast<br />

A moment <strong>of</strong> comic <strong>in</strong>security <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> usually happy marriage <strong>of</strong> TV comedy writer Rob Petrie and his<br />

wife Laura. When Rob learns that <strong>the</strong> tall, good-look<strong>in</strong>g man named Joe Coogan that he has just met<br />

on a public golf course was once <strong>in</strong> love with Laura, court<strong>in</strong>g her by writ<strong>in</strong>g love sonnets, he becomes<br />

uncharacteristically jealous and <strong>in</strong>secure. When Laura <strong>in</strong>vites Joe to d<strong>in</strong>ner, Rob counters by <strong>in</strong>vit<strong>in</strong>g cowriter<br />

Sally Rogers to flirt with Joe. Unbeknownst to Rob, Joe is now a priest! The mix-up leads to a zany<br />

d<strong>in</strong>ner party and a surprise end<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Cast: 2 Soprano, 1 Mezzo-soprano, 1 Tenor, 2 Baritone, 1 Bass-baritone, 1 Speak<strong>in</strong>g role<br />

Dur: 60’<br />

Instr: A.Sax. Tpt. Tbn. 1Perc.(<strong>in</strong>cl. trap set) Pno. 2Vln. Vla. Vcl. Cb.<br />

Tony Caruso’s F<strong>in</strong>al Broadcast<br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> ten short scenes<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Libretto by Dana Gioia<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Cast doubl<strong>in</strong>g possibilities if presented <strong>in</strong> a s<strong>in</strong>gle even<strong>in</strong>g with The Life and Love <strong>of</strong> Joe Coogan<br />

A classical music radio station on <strong>the</strong> last night <strong>of</strong> its operations: at midnight <strong>the</strong> station will convert to an<br />

“Easy-Listen<strong>in</strong>g” format. The station’s f<strong>in</strong>al program, “Opera Lover,” is hosted by Antonio Caruso, a failed<br />

tenor who has worked on <strong>the</strong> show for 27 years. The station <strong>in</strong>tern and radio eng<strong>in</strong>eer try to comfort<br />

Tony for his impend<strong>in</strong>g loss. Meanwhile <strong>the</strong> new management celebrates its market plan aimed at <strong>the</strong><br />

drive-time listener. Dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>al broadcast, Tony remembers his early dreams <strong>of</strong> artistic fame and<br />

success as <strong>the</strong> “second Caruso.” In his desperate state, Tony is visited by three ghosts or visions—his dead<br />

mo<strong>the</strong>r, Maria Callas, and f<strong>in</strong>ally a mysterious woman.<br />

Cast:<br />

Dur: 52’<br />

Instr:<br />

Boy Soprano, 5 Soprano, 3 Mezzo-soprano, 1 Tenor, 1 Baritone, 1 Bass-baritone,<br />

1 Speak<strong>in</strong>g role<br />

Fl. Ob.(dbl. Bari.Sax.)* Cl. A.Sax. T.Sax.(dbl.B.Cl.) - 2Tpt. Tbn. B.Tbn.;<br />

Drum Set Perc. Gtr.(Acous. & Elec.) Kbds.(Pno., Synth.) 4Vln. 2Vla. 2Vcl. Cb.<br />

(dbl.Elec.Bass)<br />

[str<strong>in</strong>g sections may be expanded]<br />

[Perc: vibraphone, slapstick, chimes, 3 timpani, tambour<strong>in</strong>e, glockenspiel]<br />

Red. Orch: Reed player(Cl., B.Cl., A.Sax.) Tpt. Tbn. 1Perc.(<strong>in</strong>cl. trap set) Kbds.(Pno., Synth.)<br />

2Vln. Vla. Vcl. Cb.<br />

Sandow, Gregory (b. 1943)<br />

A Christmas Carol<br />

Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer after Dickens<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Children’s Opera<br />

A poignant and tuneful adaptation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> classic Dickens tale. For audiences <strong>of</strong> all ages.<br />

Cast: (possibility <strong>of</strong> doubl<strong>in</strong>gs) 3 Sopranos, 3 Mezzo-Sopranos, 7 Tenors, 4 Baritones, 4 Basses,<br />

3 Boy Sopranos, 2 Girl Sopranos, 2 Male speak<strong>in</strong>g roles, 1 Boy speak<strong>in</strong>g role,<br />

“schoolmates” act<strong>in</strong>g roles, mute act<strong>in</strong>gs roles (at least 4 <strong>of</strong> which are children)<br />

Dur: 75’<br />

Instr: 1 1 1 1 - 1 0 0 0; 1 or 2 Perc.(Chimes & Timpani) 2Vln. 1Vla. 2Vcl. 1Cb.<br />

The Richest Girl <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> World F<strong>in</strong>ds Happ<strong>in</strong>ess<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

After <strong>the</strong> play by Robert Patrick<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

A comedy (<strong>in</strong> pop-Broadway style). The big Star comes to propose to <strong>the</strong> Richest Girl <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> World. She<br />

now has everyth<strong>in</strong>g: beauty, health, and <strong>the</strong> love <strong>of</strong> a man. She declares that her wealth doesn’t matter,<br />

and wants to give all to <strong>the</strong> poor … but wait: <strong>the</strong> poor want to give <strong>the</strong> riches back as a wedd<strong>in</strong>g present!<br />

The moral: <strong>the</strong> richest girl is <strong>the</strong> one who f<strong>in</strong>ds true happ<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />

Cast: 2 Soprano (or Soprano & Mezzo-Soprano), 2 Tenor<br />

Dur: 25’<br />

Instr: Piano<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Scarlatti, Alessandro (1660-1725)<br />

The Triumph <strong>of</strong> Honor<br />

Comedy <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />

Edited by Carl Zytowski, libretto by F.A. Tullio<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Engaged to one, attracted to ano<strong>the</strong>r; this tangled, rollick<strong>in</strong>g tale <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essed and secret loves <strong>of</strong><br />

its eight characters leads everyone to <strong>the</strong> br<strong>in</strong>k <strong>of</strong> disaster before true love br<strong>in</strong>gs everyone back to <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

senses, and <strong>the</strong> four couples are united <strong>in</strong> forgiveness, love, and honor.<br />

Cast:<br />

Dur:<br />

Instr:<br />

2 Soprano, 2 Mezzo-Soprano, 2 Tenor, 2 Baritone<br />

Ob. Pno. 2Vln. 1Vla. 1Vcl. 1Cb.<br />

Schuman, William (1910-1992)<br />

A Question <strong>of</strong> Taste<br />

Libretto by J.D. McClatchy, after a story by Roald Dahl<br />

Publisher: Merion Music Inc<br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

A New York society d<strong>in</strong>ner party, 1910. A fa<strong>the</strong>r is will<strong>in</strong>g to stake <strong>the</strong> hand <strong>of</strong> his daughter <strong>in</strong> a bet<br />

that one <strong>of</strong> his guests, a noted, wealthy oenophile, cannot identify <strong>the</strong> w<strong>in</strong>e he is serv<strong>in</strong>g. The daughter<br />

is outraged, but f<strong>in</strong>ally consents to <strong>the</strong> wager, s<strong>in</strong>ce her fa<strong>the</strong>r is confident that <strong>the</strong> w<strong>in</strong>e will not be<br />

identified, and <strong>the</strong> oenophile promises half a million dollars will be hers whatever <strong>the</strong> outcome, a sum that<br />

would enable her to marry her boyfriend (also a guest at <strong>the</strong> d<strong>in</strong>ner). Who will w<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> bet?<br />

Cast: Soprano, 2 Mezzo-Soprano, 1 Female (unsung), Tenor, 2 Baritone<br />

Dur: 50’<br />

Instr: 2(Picc.) 2 2 2 - 2 2 2 0; 2Perc. Cel. Str.<br />

Sessions, Roger (1896-1985)<br />

Montezuma<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> 3 acts<br />

Libretto by G.A. Borgese<br />

Publisher: E.B. Marks<br />

Based on <strong>the</strong> memoirs <strong>of</strong> Bernal Diaz del Castillo, a soldier who accompanied Cortez to Mexico, <strong>the</strong><br />

opera tells <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> land<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Spaniards <strong>in</strong> Mexico and <strong>the</strong>ir deal<strong>in</strong>gs with <strong>the</strong> Aztecs and <strong>the</strong> emperor,<br />

Montezuma. A classic tale from history <strong>of</strong> trust and betrayal, it ends with <strong>the</strong> death <strong>of</strong> Montezuma at <strong>the</strong><br />

hands <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Aztecs.<br />

Cast: Soprano, 6 Tenor, 3 Baritone, 3 Bass<br />

Dur: 150’<br />

Instr: 3 3 4 3 – 4 4 3 1; Timp. Perc. Pno. Cel. Hp. Str.<br />

The Trial <strong>of</strong> Lucullus<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> 1 act<br />

Libretto from <strong>the</strong> play by Bertolt Brecht, translated by H. R. Hayes<br />

Publisher: E.B. Marks<br />

Upon his death, Lucullus, a Roman general, comes to realize that he is to be tried by <strong>the</strong> underworld for<br />

his military triumphs <strong>in</strong> this tale with a strongly pacifist viewpo<strong>in</strong>t.<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Cast: 4 Soprano, 2 Mezzo-Soprano, 1 Contralto, 2 High Baritone, 7 Baritone, 1 Bass-Baritone,<br />

12 Tenor, 3 Bass; Chorus <strong>of</strong> Slaves, Chorus <strong>of</strong> Children, “Three-fold voice”<br />

(Off-stage Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Countertenor)<br />

Dur: 72’<br />

Instr: 2 1 2 1 – 2 2 2 0; Perc. Pno. Str.<br />

Shepard, Thomas Z.<br />

Love <strong>in</strong> Two Countries<br />

Two one-act comic operas to be performed toge<strong>the</strong>r as “Love <strong>in</strong> Two Countries” or separately<br />

(“That Pig <strong>of</strong> a Molette” and “A Question <strong>of</strong> Faith”).<br />

Libretto by Sheldon Harnick<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

An even<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> delightfully droll comedy: two one-act operas peppered with unexpected – and hilarious<br />

– twists.<br />

Dur:<br />

A Question <strong>of</strong> Faith<br />

full even<strong>in</strong>g when performed toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by Sheldon Harnick<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Opera without chorus<br />

A Russian couple employ <strong>the</strong> services <strong>of</strong> a miracle worker to br<strong>in</strong>g about a child for <strong>the</strong>ir married<br />

daughter. When it is her unmarried sister who becomes pregnant, <strong>the</strong> situation threatens to careen out <strong>of</strong><br />

control until true love douses <strong>the</strong> situation with a blast <strong>of</strong> reality and w<strong>in</strong>s <strong>the</strong> day <strong>in</strong> a very Russian way.<br />

Cast: Ma<strong>in</strong> roles: Lyric Soprano, Soprano or Light Mezzo-Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Lyric Tenor,<br />

2 Comic Baritone, Baritone Bit Parts: 3 Soprano (can be doubled by ma<strong>in</strong> characters)<br />

Dur: 60’<br />

Instr: 1(Picc.) 1(E.H.) 1(EfCl./BfCl./A) 1(Cbsn.) - 2 0 0 0; Perc. Kbd. Str.<br />

That Pig <strong>of</strong> a Molette<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by Sheldon Harnick after a story by Guy de Maupassant<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Poor Molette: successful bus<strong>in</strong>essman and good husband, he is at <strong>the</strong> “dangerous age,” unaware that he<br />

desperately craves romantic adventure. A clumsy misunderstand<strong>in</strong>g leads to his be<strong>in</strong>g branded “that pig<br />

<strong>of</strong> a Molette,” even though his cous<strong>in</strong>, Rivet, is <strong>the</strong> real cad. Years later, <strong>the</strong> characters settle scores, <strong>in</strong> an<br />

oh-so-French way.<br />

Cast: Lyric Soprano, Tenor or High Baritone, Comic Baritone<br />

Vocal Quartet doubl<strong>in</strong>g various roles: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, (Bass-)Baritone<br />

Dur: 60’<br />

Instr: 1(Picc.) 1(E.H.) 1 1 - 2 0 0 0; Perc. Kbd. Str.<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Simons, Netty (1923-1994)<br />

The Bellwitch <strong>of</strong> Tennessee<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> four scenes<br />

Libretto by Joan Crowell<br />

Publisher: Merion Music Inc.<br />

Fact or fiction? In <strong>the</strong> early 1800s, John Bell moved to Adams, Tennessee, where an unfriendly neighbor<br />

accused him <strong>of</strong> cheat<strong>in</strong>g her. On her deathbead, she cursed him and his descendants. From that time<br />

onwards, tales circulated about a poltergeist which dogged <strong>the</strong> lives <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bell family.<br />

Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Contralto, Tenor, Bass-Baritone, Bass; Chorus<br />

Dur: 60’<br />

Instr: 1 0 2 1 - 0 2 2 0; Timp. Perc. Vb. Pno. Str.<br />

Smith, Leland (b. 1925)<br />

Santa Claus, A Morality<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> five scenes<br />

Libretto by e.e. cumm<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Surrounded by materialism and <strong>the</strong> lust for knowledge, Santa Claus craves knowledge; but ultimately, he<br />

realizes that knowledge alone without <strong>the</strong> understand<strong>in</strong>g that he once had leads to <strong>the</strong> loss <strong>of</strong> love, and<br />

so he abandons his obsession with knowledge.<br />

Cast: 2 Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, 2 Bass-Baritone; Chorus<br />

Dur: 80’<br />

Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 2 1 1 0; Timp. Perc. Pno. Str.<br />

Sokol<strong>of</strong>f, Noel (1923-1998)<br />

The Frankl<strong>in</strong>’s Tale<br />

Chamber opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by Ted Hart, after Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales”<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

A tale <strong>of</strong> true love, where honor is f<strong>in</strong>ally rewarded, although it is sorely tested.<br />

Cast: Soprano, Tenor, 2 Baritone, Small parts (2 Soprano, Contralto)<br />

Dur: 80’<br />

Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 2 1 1 0; Timp. Perc. Pno. Str.<br />

The Pardoner’s Tale<br />

Chamber opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by Ted Hart, after Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales”<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

A tale <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dangers <strong>of</strong> avarice, <strong>in</strong> which three self-<strong>in</strong>dulgent young men each secretly plot to kill <strong>the</strong><br />

o<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>in</strong> order to keep <strong>the</strong> greater part <strong>of</strong> a treasure f<strong>in</strong>d. They all succeed.<br />

Cast: 2 Tenor, Baritone, 2 Bass<br />

Dur: 50’<br />

Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 2 1 1 0; Timp. Perc. Pno. Str.<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Taylor, Raynor (1747-1825)<br />

Buxom Joan<br />

Burletta <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by Thomas Willet, edited and realized by Gregory Sandow<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Cast: 2 Soprano, 3 Tenor, Bass<br />

Dur: 40’<br />

Instr: 2Ob. Hpscd. Str<strong>in</strong>g Quartet<br />

Thorne, Francis (b. 1922)<br />

Mario and <strong>the</strong> Magician<br />

Libretto by J.D. McClatchy, after <strong>the</strong> story by Thomas Mann<br />

Publisher: Merion Music Inc.<br />

A dark, psychological drama which resonates on many different levels: <strong>the</strong> rise <strong>of</strong> fascism <strong>in</strong> 1930’s<br />

Germany, and <strong>the</strong> tyranny <strong>of</strong> love, with a Mephistopheles-type character and <strong>the</strong> power <strong>of</strong> suggestion. It<br />

leads <strong>the</strong> characters down a path <strong>of</strong> self-exam<strong>in</strong>ation through fantasy, but it f<strong>in</strong>ally crashes back <strong>in</strong>to an<br />

awful reality…<br />

Cast: Mezzo-Soprano, 3 Tenor (1 Lyric), Baritone, Bass-Baritone, 2 Bass (1 <strong>in</strong> Chorus),<br />

2 Children (Soprano); Mixed Chorus <strong>of</strong> adults and children<br />

Dur: 70’<br />

Instr: 1(Picc.) 1 1 1 - 1 1 1 1; 2Perc. Gt.(Acc./Elec.) Kbd.(Pno./Hpscd.) Str.(16 Players)<br />

Vernon, Ashley (1902-1968)<br />

The Barber <strong>of</strong> New York<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by Greta Harwig<br />

Publisher: Mercury Music Corp.<br />

Cast: Soprano, Alto, 3 Tenor, Baritone, 2 Bass; Chorus<br />

Dur: 70’<br />

Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 2 2 1 0; Timp. Perc. Hp. Str.<br />

Cupid and Psyche<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act, four scenes<br />

Libretto by Greta Harwig<br />

Publisher: Mercury Music Corp.<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Grand Slam<br />

Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Bass<br />

Dur: 60’<br />

Instr: 2 1 2 1 - 2 2 1 0; Timp. Perc. Hp. Str.<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by Greta Harwig<br />

Publisher: Mercury Music Corp.<br />

Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Bass<br />

Dur: 25’<br />

Instr: 2 1 2 1 - 2 1 0 0; Perc. Hp. Str.<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

The Triumph <strong>of</strong> Punch<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by Greta Harwig<br />

Publisher: Mercury Music Corp.<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Baritone, Bass<br />

Dur: 70’<br />

Instr: 2 1 2 1 - 2 1 0 0; Pno. Hp. Str.<br />

Walden, Stanley (b. 1932)<br />

Dr. Faustus Lights <strong>the</strong> Lights<br />

Opera Libretto by Gertrude Ste<strong>in</strong><br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

The Faust story weaves <strong>in</strong> and out <strong>of</strong> an absurdist plot (<strong>the</strong> text is by Gertrude Ste<strong>in</strong>, after all). To be<br />

enjoyed “<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> moment,” an even<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> great <strong>the</strong>atrical enterta<strong>in</strong>ment.<br />

Cast: Sop., Dancer/Sop., 2 pop Mezzo-Sop., Tenor (rapper), pop High Bari., 2 Bari., Bass;<br />

Chorus (made up <strong>of</strong> anyone not featured at <strong>the</strong> moment)<br />

Dur: 95’<br />

Instr: Reeds (1 or more players): Sop.Sax./AltoSax./Ten.Sax./Fl./AltoFl./BfCl./B.Cl. Pno. Cbs. Perc.<br />

Kafka: Letter to My Fa<strong>the</strong>r<br />

<strong>English</strong> version by <strong>the</strong> composer, based on Kafka’s “Brief an den Vater”<br />

(German version title “Liebster Vater”)<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

(<strong>English</strong>/German)<br />

Kafka’s letter was never read by his fa<strong>the</strong>r, and perhaps was not even <strong>in</strong>tended to be. Through this<br />

specific relationship is expressed <strong>the</strong> complexity <strong>of</strong> many a parent-child relationship, with its expectations<br />

and disappo<strong>in</strong>tments, <strong>in</strong>dividual short-com<strong>in</strong>gs, and <strong>in</strong> spite <strong>of</strong> everyth<strong>in</strong>g, underly<strong>in</strong>g ties.<br />

Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Bass, non-s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g male, non-s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g boy, dancer<br />

Dur: 90’<br />

Instr: 1 0 2(EfCl./ B.Cl.) 0 - 2 1 1 0; 2Perc. Hp. Str. (2Vln. 2Vla. 2Vcl. 1Cb.)<br />

Weisgall, Hugo (1912-1997)<br />

Athaliah<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> two parts<br />

Libretto by Richard Franko Goldman<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Based on Jean Rac<strong>in</strong>e’s tragedy, “Athalie.” The story <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> overthrow <strong>of</strong> Athalia, daughter <strong>of</strong> Ahab and<br />

Jezebel, and usurper queen <strong>of</strong> Judah.<br />

Cast: Mezzo-Soprano, Soprano, Baritone, Tenor, Bass, silent role (child); Chorus<br />

Dur: 105’<br />

Instr: 2(Picc. AltoFl.) 2(E.H.) 2(EfCl. B.Cl.) 2(Cbsn.) - 2 2 2 0; Timp. Perc. Str.<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Es<strong>the</strong>r<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />

Libretto by Charles Kondek<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Es<strong>the</strong>r was made queen by <strong>the</strong> Persian k<strong>in</strong>g Ahasuerus. When <strong>the</strong> k<strong>in</strong>g’s chief m<strong>in</strong>ister planned to kill all<br />

<strong>the</strong> Jews <strong>in</strong> an act <strong>of</strong> vengeance aga<strong>in</strong>st his arch-enemy, Es<strong>the</strong>r revealed to <strong>the</strong> k<strong>in</strong>g that she was Jewish,<br />

and pleaded for her people. Her triumph was hard-won: Ahasuerus could not revoke <strong>the</strong> exterm<strong>in</strong>ation<br />

edict, but <strong>in</strong>stead, allowed <strong>the</strong> Jews to arm <strong>the</strong>mselves. Their successful defense is commemorated to this<br />

day <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> annual festival <strong>of</strong> Purim.<br />

Cast:<br />

Dur:<br />

Instr:<br />

The Gardens <strong>of</strong> Adonis<br />

Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Contralto, Countertenor, 4 Tenor, 2 Baritone,<br />

Bass-Baritone, Bass; Chorus, Children’s chorus.<br />

full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />

3(Picc. AltoFl.), 2(E.H.) 2(B.Cl.) 2 - 4 3 2 1; Timp. Perc. Hp. Str.<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> Two Scenes and a Prologue<br />

Libretto by John Olon-Scrymgeour, after “Venus and Adonis” by William Shakespeare<br />

and <strong>the</strong> play <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> same name by André Obey<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Venus, accidentally wounded with one <strong>of</strong> Cupid’s arrows, falls <strong>in</strong> love with Adonis, who is not at all<br />

smitten, and is more <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> hunt<strong>in</strong>g. The situation is not without humor, until Death enters <strong>the</strong><br />

picture, and Adonis’ fate is sealed.<br />

Cast:<br />

Dur:<br />

Instr:<br />

2 Soprano, Boy Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Bass<br />

full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />

3(Picc. AltoFl.) 2(E.H.) 2(A Cl./B.Cl.) 2 - 2(or4) 2 2 1; Timp. Perc. Pno. Hp. Str.<br />

Jenny, or The Hundred Nights<br />

One act opera<br />

Libretto by John Hollander, after <strong>the</strong> Noh play “Sotoba Kamachi” by Yukio Mishima,<br />

translated by Donald Keene<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Jenny, a 99-year-old woman, wanders at night <strong>in</strong> a London park. While young lovers are occupied on<br />

<strong>the</strong> park benches, she falls <strong>in</strong>to conversation with a young photographer, remember<strong>in</strong>g her youth and her<br />

loves. The young lovers <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> present are confused with ghosts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> past, and <strong>the</strong> l<strong>in</strong>es between life and<br />

death become blurred.<br />

Cast: Coloratura Soprano, 2 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, 2 Tenor, 3 Baritone, 2 Bass;<br />

Chorus, Dancers<br />

Dur: 70’<br />

Instr: 4 2 4 2 - 2 2 3 1; 3Perc. Hp. Pno. Str. Viol<strong>in</strong>ist & Pianist on stage<br />

N<strong>in</strong>e Rivers from Jordan<br />

Prologue and three acts<br />

Libretto by Denis Johnston<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Musically, dramatically, and symbolically, <strong>the</strong> opera deals with <strong>the</strong> unprecedented moral problems caused<br />

by <strong>the</strong> circumstances <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Second World War. Actual happen<strong>in</strong>gs and imag<strong>in</strong>ary events are juxtaposed.<br />

In <strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>al analysis, <strong>the</strong> characters face personal responsibility for mak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> choice between right and<br />

wrong, and <strong>the</strong> conclusion that, though we are all “dirty,” we are not all damned.<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Purgatory<br />

Cast:<br />

Dur:<br />

Instr:<br />

2 Lyric Tenor, 2 Baritone, Bass-Baritone, Bass; small parts: 2 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano,<br />

10 Tenor, 3 Baritone, 5 Bass; Chorus<br />

full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />

3 3 3 3 - 4 3 3 1; Timp. Perc. Hp. Str.<br />

One act opera<br />

Text by W.B. Yeats<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

An Old Man, accompanied by a Young Boy (his teenaged son), returns to <strong>the</strong> ru<strong>in</strong>s <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> house where,<br />

long ago, <strong>the</strong> Old Man had killed his fa<strong>the</strong>r. While <strong>the</strong> Old Man is re-liv<strong>in</strong>g events with <strong>the</strong> ghosts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

past, <strong>the</strong> son tries to run <strong>of</strong>f with <strong>the</strong> Old Man’s money. The two quarrel, and when <strong>the</strong> Boy threatens <strong>the</strong><br />

Old Man, <strong>the</strong> Old Man kills him <strong>in</strong> an attempt to stop <strong>the</strong> cycle <strong>of</strong> patricide. But <strong>the</strong> ghosts are not laid to<br />

rest, and <strong>the</strong> Old Man is doomed to live with <strong>the</strong> burden <strong>of</strong> his actions.<br />

Cast: Tenor or Baritone (young boy role), Bass<br />

Dur: 35’<br />

Instr: 2 0 2 1 - 1 1 0 0; Timp. Perc. Pno. Str.<br />

Six Characters <strong>in</strong> Search <strong>of</strong> an Author<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />

Libretto by Denis Johnston from <strong>the</strong> play by Luigi Pirandello<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

A masterful adaptation <strong>of</strong> Pirandello’s <strong>the</strong>atre play to <strong>the</strong> world <strong>of</strong> opera and s<strong>in</strong>gers. True to <strong>the</strong> orig<strong>in</strong>al<br />

text, <strong>the</strong> story starts <strong>in</strong> a seem<strong>in</strong>gly light-hearted reality, but gradually darkens as it slips <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>atre<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> absurd.<br />

The Stronger<br />

Cast: Dramatic Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Contralto, High Lyric Baritone, Dramatic Baritone;<br />

boy & girl (non-s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g), Chorus<br />

Dur: full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Instr: 2(Alto, Picc.) 2(E.H.) 2(B.Cl.) 2(Cbsn.) - 2 2 2 1; Timp. Perc. Str. Upright Piano (on stage)<br />

Sale: Vocal Score 441-41002<br />

After <strong>the</strong> play by August Str<strong>in</strong>dberg<br />

Libretto by Richard Hart<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Monodrama<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Estelle meets a friend <strong>in</strong> a bar after shopp<strong>in</strong>g, and as she dr<strong>in</strong>ks, chatters her way <strong>in</strong>to reveal<strong>in</strong>g a darker<br />

side <strong>of</strong> her character. Lisa, <strong>the</strong> friend, rema<strong>in</strong>s silent and lets her run on without comment, but her<br />

enigmatic smile at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> opera perhaps reveals more than words ever could.<br />

The Tenor<br />

Cast: Soprano, mute female part, Waiter, Patrons (optional)<br />

Dur: 25’<br />

Instr: Eb AltoSax.(BfCl./EfCl.) Ten.Sax.(BfCl. B.Cl.), Tpt. 1Vln. 1Vla. 1Vcl. 1Cb. Pno.<br />

Sale: Vocal Score 411-41090<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by Karl Shapiro and Ernst Lert, based on “Der Kammersänger” by Frank Wedek<strong>in</strong>d<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Gerardo, a flamboyant dramatic tenor at <strong>the</strong> peak <strong>of</strong> his career, imag<strong>in</strong>es himself to be <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> same heroic<br />

fibre <strong>of</strong>f stage as well, which <strong>in</strong>volves him <strong>in</strong> a series <strong>of</strong> entanglements with his many fem<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>e admirers,<br />

produc<strong>in</strong>g tragic results.<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

Cast: Dramatic Soprano, Lyric Soprano (sp<strong>in</strong>to), Dramatic Tenor, Tenor (buffo),<br />

Baritone, Bass-Baritone<br />

Dur: 70’<br />

Instr: 1(Picc.) 1(E.H.) 2(EfCl./ B.Cl.) 1 - 2 1 1 0; Perc.(Timp.) Pno. Str.(Viola divisi)<br />

Vocal Score published: 441-41001<br />

Will You Marry Me?<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />

Libretto by Charles Kondek<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

“A deliciously paradoxical character study <strong>of</strong> two marriageable schemers… a mart<strong>in</strong>i-dry thirties urban<br />

tone… and rapier musical wit.” [Peter G. Davies, New York Magaz<strong>in</strong>e]<br />

Cast: Soprano, Baritone<br />

Dur: 25’<br />

Instr: Cl./Sop.Sax. Cl./AltoSax. Bsn. Hn. Timp. Pno. Perc. 2Vln. 1Vla. 1Vcl. 1Cb.<br />

Welcher, Dan (b. 1948)<br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

A Star Over Fifth Avenue<br />

Two short operas to be performed separately, or toge<strong>the</strong>r as “A Star Over Fifth Avenue”.<br />

“Della’s Gift” is set at <strong>the</strong> beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> early 1900s, and is based on <strong>the</strong> O. Henry story, “The Gift<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Magi.” “Holy Night” is an orig<strong>in</strong>al story by librettist Paul Woodruff, and imag<strong>in</strong>es a story tak<strong>in</strong>g<br />

place <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> same apartment 100 years later, at <strong>the</strong> beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 21st century. Both operas deal with<br />

<strong>the</strong>mes <strong>of</strong> love and its trials.<br />

Della’s Gift<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />

Libretto by Paul Woodruff based on “The Gift <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Magi” by O. Henry<br />

Publisher: Elkan-Vogel Inc.<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

New York, 1905. Della and Jim, a poor young couple very much <strong>in</strong> love, each secretly makes a sacrifice <strong>in</strong><br />

order to buy <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r a Christmas present. Their actions are contrasted with those <strong>of</strong> a rich man and his<br />

mistress.<br />

Holy Night<br />

Cast: Lyric Soprano (with coloratura to high C only), 3 Mezzo-Soprano (1 humorous),<br />

Character Tenor, 2 Tenor, Lyric Baritone<br />

Dur: 69’<br />

Instr: 1(Picc.) 1 2 1 - 2 2 1 0; Perc. Pno.(Cel.) Hp. Str.(m<strong>in</strong>. 6 5 4 3 2)<br />

Opera <strong>in</strong> three scenes and an epilogue<br />

Libretto by Paul Woodruff<br />

Publisher: Elkan-Vogel Inc.<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

New York, 2005. A young couple, liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> now gentrified Manhattan apartment formerly occupied<br />

by Della and Jim <strong>in</strong> “Della’s Gift”, experience obstacles <strong>of</strong> misunderstand<strong>in</strong>g and racial prejudice. These<br />

universal issues go beyond <strong>the</strong> discrim<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>the</strong>y already face as a gay couple.<br />

Cast: Lyric Soprano, 1 or 2 “rich female voice” (doubl<strong>in</strong>g possible),<br />

Lyric Tenor, Lyric Baritone, Bass-Baritone<br />

Dur: 70’<br />

Instr: 1 1 2 1 - 2 2 1 0; Perc. Hp. Pno./Cel. Str.<br />

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />

The Yellow Wallpaper<br />

Chamber Opera<br />

Libretto by Dan Welcher, based on <strong>the</strong> short story by Charlotte Perk<strong>in</strong>s Gilman<br />

Publisher: Elkan-Vogel Inc.<br />

Opera without chorus<br />

What lies beyond <strong>the</strong> yellow wallpaper? A woman conf<strong>in</strong>ed to her bedroom by her well-mean<strong>in</strong>g yet<br />

misguided husband struggles with mo<strong>the</strong>rhood, imprisonment, isolation and madness.<br />

Yeamans, L.E.<br />

Cast: Mezzo-soprano or Dramatic Soprano, <strong>of</strong>f-stage Soprano<br />

Dur: 85’<br />

Instr: 1(d.Picc.) 1(d.E.H.) 1 1 – 1 1 0 0; 1Perc. Pno./Syn. Hp. Str.(m<strong>in</strong>.1 1 1 1 1; pref. 4 4 3 2 1)<br />

Little Red Rid<strong>in</strong>g Hood<br />

Operetta for Children <strong>in</strong> four scenes<br />

Words and Music by L.E. Yeamans<br />

Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />

Little Red Rid<strong>in</strong>g Hood’s <strong>in</strong>nocence protects her from <strong>the</strong> designs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Wolf, but along <strong>the</strong> way, she<br />

learns Not To Trust Strangers.<br />

Cast: 2 Soprano, Tenor, Baritone<br />

Dur: 60’<br />

Instr: Piano<br />

Children’s Opera<br />

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